Gable Steveson discusses Jon Jones’ potential return to UFC after Tom Aspinall vacates heavyweight title

Gable Steveson has confirmed that Jon Jones is seriously considering a return to the UFC after Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title due to injury. Speaking at UFC 331 media day, Steveson revealed he spoke directly with Jones about a potential comeback, and the former light heavyweight champion is interested in pursuing heavyweight gold now that Ciryl Gane has been promoted from interim to undisputed champion.

"I called Jon today, and he's honored to have the opportunity to maybe come back," Steveson said. "He's always had gold around his waist." Steveson noted that he trains one-on-one with Jones daily and respects his experience, though he also expressed sympathy for Aspinall's situation and acknowledged Gane as the division's top heavyweight right now.

Jones and Aspinall have had an unresolved rivalry spanning several years. When Aspinall held the interim title and Jones held the undisputed belt, the UFC never unified the championship between them. Instead, Jones fought Stipe Miocic and then delayed a potential Aspinall matchup before retiring last year. After the UFC White House event was announced, Jones attempted to unretire but has not yet competed, leaving uncertainty about whether the UFC would greenlight a Jones comeback or a rematch with Gane.

Steveson believes Josh Holk deserves the first shot at the new champion if Jones does not get it immediately. "Josh Holik would be cool to get the opportunity," Steveson said, noting that Holk's marketability and trash-talking ability would make for compelling matchups.

As for Steveson himself, he acknowledged he is not yet ready for a title shot but projects a heavyweight title opportunity within the next year and a half. "I've been a competitor my whole life; I wrestled the best of the best," he said. Steveson faces Sean Sharaf on the UFC 331 main card this Saturday.