Jon Jones is not sitting still while he waits for clarity on his next move in MMA.
The former two-weight UFC champion retired back in June, but it did not take long for him to reconsider.
Shortly after the announcement, news broke that the UFC would be hosting an event at the White House in 2026.
That event, expected to feature fighters representing different countries and even some politicians taking part, was enough to get Jones thinking about a return.
It is still unclear if he will step back into the Octagon before then, or if he is waiting specifically for that card.
In the meantime, Jones has been keeping active. He is training five days a week and also helping coach a fighter who could be one of the sport’s next big names.
Jon Jones shares thoughts on Gable Steveson’s first MMA appearance
Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson made a strong start to his MMA career, picking up a win in his debut fight.
It took him just 98 seconds to overpower his opponent, with Jon Jones watching on as part of his coaching team.
Afterwards, Jones spoke about what it has been like working with Steveson.
“Coaching is always rewarding. But let’s be honest, when the athlete is @Gable Steveson, it feels like cheating.
“Man’s a human cheat code, and we just get to hold the controller,” he wrote on Instagram.
UFC boss Dana White shares latest White House card update
Despite Jones’ plans for a comeback, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear he will not be headlining the White House event.
White’s decision comes after Jones backed out of a previously agreed fight with Tom Aspinall, which has left trust issues between the two.
The UFC boss said he had received an apology from Jones, but that has not been enough to change his mind. Instead, he wants Conor McGregor to headline the card.
“[Jon Jones] is the greatest of all time, I still know that to be a fact. But he’s not the greatest of all time, ‘guy you can count on that you know 100 per cent is going to be solid and be there’. Say what you want about Conor McGregor, because people like to talk s— about that too, but he is that guy.
“He’s always been that guy, I’ve been in the room and on the phone with him. There are a lot of guys who talk tough publicly, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole other ball game. When the s— hits the fan, who’s really willing to go out there? Conor McGregor has always been that guy.”
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