Jon Jones isn’t favored by most fans as he considers a potential comeback in 2026. After confirming his retirement in June, which ended his heavyweight reign following just one successful title defense against Tom Aspinall, Jones quickly reversed his decision. With UFC President Donald Trump announcing a White House event next June, Jones expressed his intention to return for the celebration and has been pushing Dana White to set up a fight with Alex Pereira in Washington, D.C. However, “Poitan” isn’t the top pick among fans.
A recent poll by Bloody Elbow revealed that Tom Aspinall is the preferred opponent for Jones’ return, winning overwhelmingly with 44.14% of votes out of 2,628 participants. Alex Pereira trailed with 26.48%, despite calling Jones out after becoming a two-time light heavyweight champion by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in October. Meanwhile, nearly 17% of fans want to see a fight between Jones and Francis Ngannou, while about 10% are hoping for a matchup with new middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev. Jones still faces skepticism from Dana White, who doubts his reliability for a major event, though fighters like Conor McGregor and Joe Rogan support his involvement.
In other news, Conor McGregor is also eyeing the White House card in 2026, sparking a poll about who he should face in his UFC return. Options include Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, Colby Covington, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, and Leon Edwards, with fans invited to weigh in. McGregor himself has expressed interest in fighting Chandler but is open to other opponents and hinted at going for a welterweight title—potentially making him the first UFC competitor to hold championships in three weight categories.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it highlights the evolving landscape of UFC’s biggest stars and their impact on future high-profile events. Jones’ potential return and McGregor’s comeback talk could reshape divisions and bring fresh excitement, reinforcing the sport’s dynamic and unpredictable nature.
