UFC CEO Dana White isn’t sold on the idea of Jon Jones fighting at next year’s proposed UFC White House event and he made that clear after UFC 318.
The UFC boss didn’t mince words when asked about Jones potentially returning for the July 2026 card, which is set to coincide with the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebration. Despite Jones teasing a comeback and positioning himself for the historic event, White dismissed the possibility without hesitation.
“It’s not even about him winning the belt,” 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.”
White added that the event is still a year away and he isn’t locked into anything.
“That fight’s a year away,” he said. “So I’m not thinking about anything right now. The landscape will change so much by next 4th of July, who knows what’s going to happen. Who knows who’s going to be on the card. What the main event will be or who will hold all the titles. Everything could be completely different so it’s not even worth thinking about it right now.”
Jones, 38, didn’t take kindly to White’s comments. The former heavyweight champion had been vocal about his interest in fighting on that symbolic card, even after announcing his retirement earlier this year in the middle of an unresolved feud with interim champ Tom Aspinall.
In a statement following the UFC 318 post-fight presser, Jones responded with a mix of professionalism and frustration.
“I heard the comments made at last night’s press conference,” Jones wrote. “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.”
He emphasized that this potential return wasn’t about titles or money.
“In a recent interview, I shared that the opportunity to fight at the White House gave me something deeper to fight for, a ‘why’ that goes beyond paychecks or belts. Fighting for my country gives me a greater purpose.”
Jones then turned his attention to the fans, who’ve remained loyal throughout his turbulent career.
“The silver lining in all this is knowing the fans see my heart. They see I am ready and willing to take on anyone, to represent my country on a historic stage. For me, it’s never been just about the opponent. I’m chasing legacy, something timeless, something bigger than the moment.”
“So for now, I’ll keep grinding, stay patient, and stay faithful. I’m ready to fight on July 4th.”
Jones’ career has been a rollercoaster of dominance and controversy. While many recognize him as one of the greatest to ever step into the Octagon, his history of failed drug tests, legal trouble, and canceled bouts—including UFC 151—has kept him at odds with UFC leadership. Dana White has been vocal about that strain, and it’s clearly still a factor in today’s decision-making.
Jones’ refusal to face Aspinall before retiring only fueled frustration among fans and fighters alike. Many viewed that fight as a necessary unification bout, one that would’ve finally brought clarity to the heavyweight division. Instead, Jones stepped away, leaving Aspinall with the interim belt and no resolution.
Despite Dana White’s firm stance, Jon Jones isn’t backing down. His sights are still set on July 4th, 2026, and he’s keeping himself ready for the call.
