Recently retired UFC all-time great Jon Jones has been creating buzz due to his plans to come out of his very brief retirement, as he announced he would be returning to the Octagon when he attended the ESPYs. The former champ has also re-entered the UFC’s drug-testing pool, and has expressed his desire to fight on the proposed White House UFC pay-per-view card. During the UFC 318 post-fight press conference, CEO and president Dana White clarified that he does not want Jon Jones to be part of the historic UFC event planned for the White House in July 2026, despite the former champion’s eagerness to return.
Dana White and Jon Jones Feud Over UFC White House Event Explained originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Recently retired UFC all-time great Jon Jones has been creating buzz due to his plans to come out of his very brief retirement, as he announced he would be returning to the Octagon when he attended the ESPYs. The former champ has also re-entered the UFC’s drug-testing pool, and has expressed his desire to fight on the proposed White House UFC pay-per-view card.
During the UFC 318 post-fight press conference, CEO and president Dana White clarified that he does not want Jon Jones to be part of the historic UFC event planned for the White House in July 2026, despite the former champion’s eagerness to return.
Given Jones’ history of controversies and fight cancellations, White said, “You know how I felt about him. I just can’t risk putting him in big positions in a big spot and have something go wrong, especially the White House card.”
Despite Jones’ mythical status in MMA, White remains wary of trusting him with such a high-stakes event.
"It’s not even about him winning the belt," White clarified. "I just can’t risk putting him in big positions and have something go wrong."
This statement contrasts greatly with his recent Full Send podcast appearance, in which he expressed that a Jon Jones fight at the White House would be a “dream event.”
Jones, who saw White’s comments, responded with disappointment.
Jones wrote on social media, "I heard the comments made at last night’s press conference. While I was a little disappointed, I’m still in the UFC’s drug testing pool, staying sharp, and continuing to train like a professional. I’ll be ready for whatever comes next."
White’s hesitation may stem from Jones’ turbulent past, including multiple failed drug tests, recent legal issues, and high-profile fight cancellations.
Most notably, Jones’ constant refusal to face Tom Aspinall before his retirement led to widespread unpopularity across the MMA world, with even Dana White giving up on the heavyweight unification bout.
Jones, meanwhile, insists he is ready to compete and is focused on legacy rather than titles or paychecks.
"For me, it’s never been just about the opponent. I’m chasing legacy, something timeless, something bigger than the moment," his social media post reads. “So for now, I’ll keep grinding, stay patient, and stay faithful. I’m ready to fight on July 4th.”
If history is any indication of the possible future, however, Jones might just be bluffing and may further delay a fight against Aspinall. It will be a tiresome affair for everyone involved if he decides to once again leave the current heavyweight champion waiting for an opportunity that may never come.
Related: Jon Jones Makes Wild Post-Retirement Move, UFC Mega-Fight Back On the Table?
Related: Dana White Confirms UFC White House Event Details
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
