Jon Jones is following swimsuit with Conor McGregor by returning to the UFC anti-doping program. Jones and McGregor took steps to finish their hiatuses after publicly expressing curiosity in combating on subsequent yr’s proposed card on the White Home.
Jones reappeared on the UFC Anti-Doping website, submitting his third pattern this yr. Energetic testing is step one for UFC fighters hoping to guide a combat.
UFC fighters are pulled from the drug testing pool after retiring, regardless of how transient. Fighters are anticipated to endure six months of testing earlier than being allowed to compete, although UFC may theoretically waive it.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Jones’ retirement on June 21, stripping him of the UFC heavyweight title and upgrading Tom Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion. Jones’ return to the testing pool so quickly after retiring additional fuels the narrative that he ducked Aspinall, his rightful subsequent challenger. Aspinall makes his first undisputed heavyweight title protection towards Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on Oct. 25.
White publicly acknowledged that he cannot belief Jones sufficient to place him on the White Home card.
“I simply cannot danger placing him in huge positions in a giant spot and have one thing go flawed, particularly the White Home card,” White said on the UFC 318 post-fight press convention.
“I heard the feedback made finally night time’s press convention,” Jones replied on Twitter. “Whereas I used to be somewhat dissatisfied, I am nonetheless within the UFC’s drug testing pool, staying sharp, and persevering with to coach like knowledgeable. I will be prepared for no matter comes subsequent.”
Final month, UFC confirmed plans to host an occasion on White Home grounds in celebration of the USA’ 250th birthday. President Donald Trump publicly proposed the concept. McGregor, who hasn’t fought since July 2021, returned to the testing pool final week with intentions of touchdown a spot on that card.