The public dispute between Jon Jones and UFC CEO Dana White intensified Monday after Jon Jones suggested he may seek a release from the UFC. The conflict stems from Jones’ absence from the historic June 14 White House event. Where he had hoped to make his return to the Octagon.
When the card was announced during the UFC 326 broadcast, Jones was not included. White later told reporters that Jones was never seriously considered for the event and reiterated that the former champion is retired.
Jones quickly pushed back on White’s comments, revealing that negotiations for the White House card had actually taken place. In a post on X, Jones accused the UFC of offering a contract far below his expectations. “My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight… I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.”
He then made a bold request: “If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today.”
Health Debate Adds Fuel
Another flashpoint in the dispute involves Jones’ health. A video surfaced recently in which Jones acknowledged arthritis in his left hip and mentioned doctors have warned he may eventually require hip replacement surgery. White cited that issue as a reason Jones should not fight again. Jones rejected that interpretation. “Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight.” He also questioned the UFC’s logic. “If I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card?”
Jones hasn’t competed since November 2024, when he successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. He later announced his retirement in 2025 but reversed course once the UFC began planning the White House event. Despite his inactivity, Jones remains one of the biggest stars in MMA history and is widely considered one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen.
