Jon Jones Returns To UFC Pool, What's Next?

Jon Jones is back in the UFC testing pool, raising questions over what is next.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion has not fought since stopping Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last year. He was long linked with a fight against Tom Aspinall, who was the longest interim champion in UFC history. Conflicting comments followed over the fight, as Jones retired on June 22.

This created the narrative that he ducked Apsinall, who was then elevated to the full champion. However, Jones indicated his desire to fight on a UFC White House card next year, following US President Donald Trump’s desire to host it. Now, the UFC Anti-Doping website has confirmed that Jones has been tested again, the third time this year. If he does not fight Aspinall, here are some other options.

What’s Next?

Another interesting option for Jones would be a fight against Francis Ngannou. While Ngannou is no longer with the UFC, his name has been repeatedly brought up in the discussion of a potential Jones opponent. Jones has previously stated that he’d be more interested in a fight with Ngannou than Aspinall, and the fan demand for this matchup remains high.

Ngannou, known for his devastating knockout power, presents a unique stylistic challenge for Jones. However, whether a deal can be done with the PFL is another matter. While this is an unlikely scenario given Ngannou’s current contractual obligations, the hypothetical matchup remains a compelling possibility.

Jones has also expressed a desire to fight Alex Pereira, even suggesting it would be a "bigger" fight for his legacy and for "dollar signs" than a bout with Tom Aspinall. Pereira has discussed the possibility of moving up to the heavyweight division. He has been a two-division champion in both kickboxing and the UFC (at middleweight and light heavyweight), which makes a move to a third weight class a plausible step in his career. However, that would depend on him beating Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch having lost their first fight. Fans had plenty to say over Jones’ next move.

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