Jon Jones considers UFC return while training Gable Steveson
MMA Fighting • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 2:00 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Jon Jones has left the door open for a potential return to the UFC, stating he is in excellent shape while being a main training partner for Gable Steveson. Steveson is preparing for his UFC debut on July 11 at UFC 329 against Elisha Ellison in Las Vegas. Jones has been away from competition since late 2024 due to health issues, including severe arthritis. He recently credited his fitness to stem cell treatments, expressing optimism about possibly fighting again by saying, 'Never say never.'
- •Jones has not fought since a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
- •Steveson's fight against Ellison is set for July 11 at UFC 329.
- •Jones has been training with Steveson, aiding his preparation for the debut.
- •He previously indicated he suffers from arthritis and may require a hip replacement.
- •Jones turns 39 in July and has a professional record of 28-1 with one no-contest.
- 2:00 PMMMA Fighting — Jon Jones leaves door open for potential UFC return: ‘I’m moving like I never left’
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Jon Jones leaves door open for potential UFC return: ‘I’m moving like I never left’
"Jon Jones is not ruling out a return to the octagon. The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion has been part of Gable Steveson’s camp for his UFC debut on July 11, when he faces off with Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, and said that has kept him in great shape. Away from the UFC since late 2024, he credits stem cells treatment for his recovery. “Never say never,” Jones wrote on social media when asked about fighting again. “Right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working.” Never say never, right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. 🤷🏾 stem cells must be working. https://t.co/jZReRFKUP2 — Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 26, 2026 Jones revealed earlier this year he had “severe arthritis” and “already qualify for a hip replacement” after decades of training in wrestling and MMA. He hasn’t fought since a third-round knockout over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, and said “I went to bed in so much pain” during that camp. “Bones”, who turns 39 in July and holds a pro record of 28-1 with one no-contest, has campaigned for a heavyweight clash with Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card earlier this month before the Brazilian went on to face and lose to Ciryl Gane instead.
"Jonn Jones beat Stipe Miocic in his last UFC fight in November 2024
Sources
External links- MMA FightingJun 26, 2026, 2:00 PMJon Jones leaves door open for potential UFC return: ‘I’m moving like I never left’
Jon Jones is not ruling out a return to the octagon. The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion has been part of Gable Steveson’s camp for his UFC debut on July 11, when he faces off with Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, and said that has kept him in great shape. Away from the UFC since late 2024, he credits stem cells treatment for his recovery. “Never say never,” Jones wrote on social media when asked about fighting again. “Right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working.” Never say never, right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. 🤷🏾 stem cells must be working. https://t.co/jZReRFKUP2 — Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 26, 2026 Jones revealed earlier this year he had “severe arthritis” and “already qualify for a hip replacement” after decades of training in wrestling and MMA. He hasn’t fought since a third-round knockout over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, and said “I went to bed in so much pain” during that camp. “Bones”, who turns 39 in July and holds a pro record of 28-1 with one no-contest, has campaigned for a heavyweight clash with Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card earlier this month before the Brazilian went on to face and lose to Ciryl Gane instead.
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 2:00 PMJon Jones leaves door open for potential UFC return: ‘I’m moving like I never left’
Jonn Jones beat Stipe Miocic in his last UFC fight in November 2024
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