Despite a concerning diagnosis, the UFC GOAT contender’s career may not be over just yet.
Jon Jones’ future inside the Octagon remains unclear as his attempts to return for what could be UFC’s biggest event of 2026 continue to be blocked.
Following his retirement as the heavyweight champion last year, the Rochester native was quickly drawn back into the conversation with talk of a high-profile event at the White House. However, UFC president Dana White dismissed Jones’ comeback plans, labeling him too unpredictable for a headlining position in Washington, DC.
Still, Jones continues to push publicly for a major fight against Alex Pereira set for June 14, but a recent health update might have delivered another setback to those ambitions.
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Jon Jones reveals ‘severe arthritis’ but insists he’s not done with UFC yet
The former heavyweight and light heavyweight UFC champ recently collaborated with Mike Perry to promote dirty boxing. Last weekend, Jones was caught on video backstage at the promotion’s fifth annual event talking about his health.
The footage, shared by TikTok user ‘Noah the Boa,’ shows Jones in conversation with fellow fighter Joaquin Buckley.
During the chat, Jones disclosed he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip and is a candidate for hip replacement surgery. This revelation led many to question whether he could still compete in the UFC.
Jones issued a statement through TMZ, clarifying that the video was recorded without his permission and addressing what the diagnosis means for his upcoming UFC plans.
“A private conversation I had at DBX 5 in Houston has become public, which is just how things go,” Jones said. “Many martial artists quietly endure injuries over the years, hobbling through daily life at a cost to their health. That’s my reality.”
“If you’re wondering if this is true — it is. I’m grateful for all my battle scars. Given the chance, I’d do it all over again without hesitation. My career is why I wake up every day.”
Jones added, “Even as one of the sport’s greatest, some criticize the slowing down in recent years. But the lessons learned should be applied to business, not just the Octagon — that’s evolution.”
“The UFC is aware of my arthritis and knows that if I’m going to put my body through that pain one last time, the stakes have to be extraordinary — more than just a big payday. For me, that was and still is the White House.”
“Whether that fight happens or not, my career stands as one for the ages. I’ve left a significant part of myself in the Octagon and remain thankful. And don’t get it twisted — I can still defeat 99% of fighters out there. I’m hitting big numbers in training, outperforming most—even if I need a proper warm-up and stretching first.”
“God bless you, Jon Jones.”
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Jones’ path forward may become clearer once UFC picks White House fight lineup
UFC president Dana White has announced that matchmaking for the White House event will start the week after UFC 324 in Las Vegas kicks off the 2026 schedule.
White expects the full fight card for the June 14 celebration to be finalized by late February, marking the first week of official fight announcements next year.
This means fans and Jones won’t have to wait long before a definitive answer emerges about whether he will make his final UFC return in 2026.
Fan Take: For fight fans, Jon Jones’ potential comeback is more than just a big match-up — it’s a chance to see one of the sport’s greatest warriors test his limits one last time despite physical setbacks. His pursuit of a historic White House event could reshape how UFC stages milestone moments, blending legacy and spectacle in a way that excites the entire MMA community.
