Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has ended the retirement he announced in late June, saying he has re-entered the organisation’s anti-doping testing pool and resumed training. “The moment I heard Donald Trump’s announcement, I started training again,” the 37-year-old wrote on social media, less than two weeks after vacating his title and declaring his career over. Jones’ change of heart follows President Donald Trump’s 4 July pledge to stage a UFC card on the White House lawn as part of the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations on 4 July 2026. The outdoor show is expected to accommodate about 25,000 spectators, with the Washington Monument serving as a backdrop. UFC chief executive Dana White confirmed that Jones is being lined up for the event and called a heavyweight title fight between Jones and reigning champion Tom Aspinall his “dream main event.” White said the promotion intends to build “the baddest card of all time” for the historic venue. Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, sidelined since breaking his leg in 2021, has also said he intends to compete on the White House bill. Match-ups and broadcast details have not yet been finalised.