LAS VEGAS — Jon Jones will not be fighting on the historic UFC White House card. Despite recent comments from Jones suggesting negotiations were ongoing, UFC CEO Dana White said the former heavyweight champion was never seriously considered for the June 14 event in Washington, D.C.
“Never, ever, ever which I told you guys 100,000 times was Jon Jones ever even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House,” White told reporters after UFC 326.
Health Concerns Behind the Decision
White revealed that Jones’ physical condition played a major role in the decision. According to White, doctors have advised that Jones is dealing with significant hip issues, including arthritis severe enough that he may eventually need hip replacement surgery. “Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently doctors say he should have hip replacements.”
Jones, now 38, announced his retirement earlier this year after months of avoiding a title unification fight with Tom Aspinall. Aspinall was later elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion.
Dana White Calls Out Jones’ Comments
White also pushed back strongly against Jones publicly claiming he was negotiating for the White House card. “The Jon Jones thing is bullsh*t… He said he was in negotiations after I had already texted his lawyer saying, ‘Never going to happen ever.’”
White clarified that while Jones may have expressed interest in competing on the card, the promotion had already ruled it out.
The End of the Jones Era?
Jones remains one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, but White’s comments suggest his competitive future may be finished. Between retirement announcements, lingering injuries, and the promotion moving forward without him, the likelihood of another Jones fight appears increasingly slim. For now, the UFC’s attention shifts fully toward the historic White House event without one of its most famous champions.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
