Jon “Bones” Jones Un-Retires, Re-Enters USADA Testing Pool Just Two Weeks After Retirement Announcement
In a move that has become quintessential Jon Jones, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion is back in the headlines — and back in the USADA testing pool.
Just two weeks after announcing his retirement during the UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. Post-Fight Press Conference on June 21st, Jones took to social media on July 4th to reveal he has already reversed course, declaring his return to active status.
“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks. Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open,” Jones tweeted.
The tweet sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as fans and fighters alike were still processing the news of his retirement. The timing and tone of the announcement — dropping casually on Independence Day — is classic Bones: unpredictable, calculated, and headline-grabbing.
Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, has been out of action since his September 2024 victory over Stipe Miocic, where he won his twelfth title defense, breaking the record for most title defenses in UFC history.
His June 21st retirement declaration was met with mixed reactions, with many viewing it as potentially strategic — a negotiation tactic or simply a way to reset expectations. Now, just days later, it appears Jones isn’t quite ready to hang up the gloves after all.
With his re-entry into the USADA testing pool, Jones would be eligible to compete after completing the required six-month testing window, unless granted an exemption — something not unprecedented in UFC history.
This development reignites the possibility of the long-anticipated heavyweight superfight with interim champ Tom Aspinall. Whatever direction the UFC and Jones decide to go next, one thing is clear: Jon “Bones” Jones isn’t done yet.
Stay with Bodyslam.net for continued coverage of Jon Jones’ evolving fight future, and all things MMA.
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