Gable Steveson believes Tom Aspinall's decision to vacate the UFC heavyweight title could stir Jon Jones into a comeback.
Aspinall issued a statement confirming he was vacating the heavyweight belt, as he is yet to be cleared to fight again due to his ongoing eye injuries.
The title is now vacant but could be awarded to interim champion Ciryl Gane, who knocked out Alex Pereira in their recent clash.
However Aspinall's inactivity in the division has blown it right open, with the title well and truly up for grabs.
Jones, who beat Gane to become champion of the division in March 2023 before vacating, may now fancy his chances of becoming king again.
'Bones' hasn't fought since November 2024 where he originally defended the crown with victory over Stipe Miocic.
Given he is now 39-years-old, he has acknowledged his time is coming to an imminent end, but has potentially teased a return.
Will Jones return? Gable Steveson thinks so
But his protege and new UFC heavyweight on the block Steveson has suggested Jones is excited by the new void at the pinnacle of the weight class.
He said: "I think Jon would like to come back also.
"Maybe seeing this belt open up put another fire into him.
"Jon's my training partner every day in Albuquerque so I've seen what he can still do and I know he can do it at the highest level.
"And maybe his time will come again and I think it will."
Jones has clearly been enthused by the news having also reacted in public.
The American had brutal takes to Aspinall's decision, accusing him of taking the decision lightly despite his eye injury.
Who could Jones face if he returns?
Of course with Aspinall out of the running, it is unclear who Jones' primary option would be.
However, the former champion has already indicated he'd be open to fighting Pereira in a blockbuster clash.
A rematch with Gane may be the most likely way to earn the title with the Frenchman in pole position to compete for the strap.
Josh Hokit, ranked at No.4, has called for a fight with Gane for the interim crown.
talkSPORT.com has collectively voted on the best fighters to form a regularly updated UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings system for the rest of 2026 and beyond.
Our P4P list will be updated regularly based on performances in the Octagon â with wins, records, title wins and defences, calibre of opponents, methods of victory and much more all determining who makes it.
UFC champions Islam Makhachev, Tom Aspinall and Sean Strickland feature - but big stars such as Alex Pereira and Arman Tsarukyan miss out.
Although carrying commercial star power, Jones may have to wait it out to pounce and earn a shot.