Jon Jones isn’t letting retirement stop him from chasing one more iconic moment inside the Octagon.
Earlier this year, Jones shocked fans when he retired from MMA instead of defending his heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall. But soon after, the UFC announced plans for a historic event at the White House lawn in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Jones instantly threw his name into the mix.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White showing little interest, Jones continues to campaign for a spot on the card. On Wednesday, the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion released a cinematic promotional video on social media, pitching his case to fight on the White House stage. The clip was accompanied by a caption that read, “It just makes sense. The best country on earth 🤝 the best fighter on earth.”
“In the summer of 2026, America turns 250 years old, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself an American,” Jones said in the video. “This nation was built on courage and conflict, on the belief that we can take on the biggest, the boldest, and come out victorious. That’s how I’ve lived my life.
“I can’t help but think what better way to celebrate America’s fight than for its best fighters to put it on full display. To remind the world who we are, not just a country of words, but of warriors. Maybe somewhere iconic, or maybe on a certain someone’s lawn. All I know is, I’m fueled up, fired up, and ready.
“God bless the United States of America, and God bless the fighters who carry its spirit.”
The heartfelt message comes after Jones admitted he wants to apologize to Dana White for backing out of his planned title defense against Aspinall earlier this year. White, however, has reportedly been skeptical about including Jones on the White House card, hinting he doesn’t “trust” him to stay committed, given the former champion’s turbulent history outside the Octagon.
Still, Jones remains one of the most captivating figures in combat sports, and if anyone can turn a retirement into a comeback headline, it’s him. Whether Dana White changes his mind or not, Jones seems determined to remind the world why he’s long been considered one of the greatest fighters to ever do it.
