Jones vacated his UFC heavyweight title last year and retired instead of locking horns with the then interim titleholder, Tom Aspinall. But as soon as the UFC announced the White House Card, Jones jumped back in the testing pool and showed interest in fighting Alex Pereira on June 14. However, the UFC brass and matchmakers did not select Jones for the June 14 mega event.

Meanwhile, news surfaced that the former champion is suffering from severe hip arthritis. When Dana White was asked whether Jones would ever compete again, the UFC CEO said “Bones” is done with MMA due to a bad hip and will never be entering the octagon again.

Jones didn’t like White’s comments and alleged that the UFC lowballed him, and thus he decided not to be part of the White House card. He also asked the company to release him if they think he has nothing more to offer.

But the UFC has not released the American fighter yet. He has been tested a couple of times already this year. Jones has also undergone stem cell treatment, and his hip already feels a lot better.

In the last few months, Jones was busy preparing his protege Gable Steveson for his UFC debut. Steveson managed to secure a knockout win in his debut but then was knocked out cold most recently at UFC 331.

Steveson previously suggested that his friend, coach, and mentor Jones might return to the octagon. And now, the man himself has responded.