Jon Jones faces uncertainty over his next fight despite pushing for a major comeback in 2026. After retiring as heavyweight champion last year, the Rochester native expressed interest in a headline bout, but UFC president Dana White called him too unreliable for the Washington D.C. main event.
Jones has publicly sought a clash with Alex Pereira on June 14, yet a recent health revelation raised doubts about his ability to fight again.
severe arthritis won’t stop Jon Jones
The former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion has promoted Dirty Boxing alongside Mike Perry recently. Backstage at the promotion’s fifth event last Saturday, Jones discussed his health openly. A TikTok video showed him talking with fellow fighter Joaquin Buckley, revealing he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip and qualifies for a hip replacement. Many fans quickly questioned whether he could compete again.
Jones responded through TMZ, saying the conversation was recorded without his knowledge and clarifying what the diagnosis means for his UFC future. He explained that fighters often manage injuries quietly for years while continuing their careers.
“I’m grateful for my battle scars,” Jones said. “If I could fight again, I would do it without hesitation. My career has always motivated me daily. Critics question my pace in recent years, but I’ve applied lessons to business and evolution, not just the Octagon. The UFC knows the severity of my arthritis. If I risk it all one last time, the reward must be extraordinary, not just a payday. For me, that remains the White House. My career has been legendary, and I gave my all in the Octagon. I still train harder than most, push my limits, and stay strong, just with more careful preparation and stretching. God bless.”
White House fight decision nears
Dana White confirmed that matchmaking for the White House card will begin after UFC 324 in Las Vegas. He expects the June 14 lineup to finalize by the end of February. Jones and his fans will soon learn if he will make one final walk to the Octagon this year.
