Jon Jones has never been one to follow the normal path. The former light heavyweight king turned heavyweight champion has made headlines for everything from his fights to his legal troubles. But his latest move might be the most surprising yet. Just two weeks after announcing his retirement and giving up the UFC heavyweight title, Jones has decided to come back. <\/p>
This might actually be the shortest retirement in UFC history. Most fighters take months or even years to decide they want to return. Jones managed to do it in less than fourteen days (announced his retirement on 21 June and decided to come back on 4th July) . The MMA<\/a> world was still processing his initial retirement announcement when he dropped the bombshell that he was coming back. Even by Jones’ standards, this was fast.<\/p> Speaking at the ESPN ESPY Awards, Jones finally explained what changed his mind so quickly. It wasn’t another big payday or a grudge match that brought him back. Instead, it was something much bigger than the octagon. President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC card at the White House next year as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. When Jones heard about this opportunity, everything changed.<\/p> “I felt like I was at a place where I’ve done it all in the MMA space and felt like there wasn’t too many more challenges for me…Donald Trump mentioned that he wanted to have a fight at the White House Garden, and that just seems like such a huge opportunity. I’m a very proud American…I can’t call it service, but just to be able to entertain the country and the world at this level at the White House. It just means the world to me. So I’m back.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>Jon Jones Reveals Why He Chose To Unretire <\/h2>