TLDR
- Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title in June 2026 due to eye complications from a previous fight
- Gable Steveson believes the vacant title could motivate Jon Jones to make a comeback after retiring in 2025
- Islam Makhachev claimed Jones’ win streak is invalid due to two failed drug tests
- Jones defended himself on social media, citing USADA’s finding that violations were not performance-enhancing or intentional
- Makhachev responded by saying Jones’ life is tied to breaking rules without taking blame
Sources: mmasucka.com | heavy.com
Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson says Jon Jones might return to the UFC following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the heavyweight title. Jones retired from mixed martial arts in 2025 after a legendary career spanning over a decade.
Steveson shared his thoughts in a recent interview with RMC Sport Combat. He said the vacant title could reignite Jones’ competitive fire.
“I think Jon would like to come back also,” Steveson said. “Maybe seeing this belt open up put another fire into him.”
Steveson added that he has seen what Jones can still do. He believes the former champion can compete at the highest level again.
Tom Aspinall Steps Down From Title
Aspinall announced his decision to vacate the heavyweight championship in June 2026. The British fighter said he didn’t want to hold up the division while dealing with medical issues.
Islam Makhachev says he does NOT count Jon Jones winstreak because he popped for PEDs:
"I'm not denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest athletes in history. But he was caught doping twice, and I think that's why his streak isn't considered valid.
Because he went into a… pic.twitter.com/D7WqbwmffM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 13, 2026
“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title,” Aspinall wrote on social media. “I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title.”
Aspinall cited eye complications from an eye poke by Ciryl Gane as the reason for stepping down. He had planned a rematch with Gane before the injury forced his hand.
With the title vacant, several fighters are being considered as contenders. Ciryl Gane is at the top of the list, while Alex Pereira’s name has also been mentioned.
Jones and Makhachev Trade Barbs Online
While speculation about Jones’ return swirled, the retired champion found himself in a social media war with Islam Makhachev. The lightweight contender questioned the legitimacy of Jones’ win streak during an interview with Ushatayka.
“I’m not denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Makhachev said. “But he was caught doping twice, and I think that’s why his streak isn’t considered valid.”
Makhachev argued that Jones went into fights while on performance-enhancing drugs and won. He said a new count of Jones’ record should have started after the violations.
Jones responded on September 14, 2026, with a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter). He defended his legacy and addressed the drug test results.
“If you believe USADA for finding a pico gram in my system, then you must believe USADA when they say ‘It was not found to be PERFORMANCE ENHANCING or INTENTIONAL’,” Jones wrote. “You can’t have it both ways.”
Jones pointed out that his hand was raised every time he stepped into the octagon. He also referenced Makhachev being knocked out in a previous fight.
“Keep chasing, it’s lonely at the top, Islam hopefully I’ll see you up here one day,” Jones added.
Makhachev fired back the next day on September 15, 2026. He didn’t back down from his position.
“Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way,” Makhachev wrote. “But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another, and somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed.”
The two fighters compete in different weight classes, making an actual fight between them unlikely. Jones last competed at heavyweight while Makhachev fights at lightweight.
Aspinall had been back in full training before his decision to vacate the title. He informed fans of his training status earlier this year before the eye complications worsened.
