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Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones ended his UFC retirement simply because he wanted a spot on the “Freedom 250” card at the White House in June.
But, when UFC CEO Dana White announced the card during UFC 326 last weekend, Jones was not among the fighters. As a result, he requested a release from his UFC contract.
White was candid when asked about Jones after the UFC 326 card.
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Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC Heavyweight Championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. ((Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images))
“Never, ever, as I’ve told you hundreds of thousands of times, was Jon Jones even remotely on my mind to fight in the White House,” White explained, according to CBS Sports. “Some guy with Meta Glasses filmed him talking about his hips, how his hips are really bad. And I don’t know if you saw that football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He has arthritis in his hips. Apparently the doctors say he should have a hip replacement.”
White added that “the Jon Jones thing is bullshit,” and said he texted the fighter’s lawyer telling him he would never be on the White House card even though Jones said he was in negotiations to do so.
UFC ANNOUNCES CARD FOR EVENT AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The Meta Glasses incident White refers to came from a viral video, where Jones, unaware he was being filmed, discussed issues with his hips with a fan.
On Monday, Jones composed a comprehensive response to White’s comments about him and the White House Card. He previously posted and deleted explanations on social media, but Monday’s appeared to be his final statement on the matter.
UFC President Dana White speaks after UFC Fight Night at the Toyota Center on February 21, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” said Jones, who retired as heavyweight champion in 2025. “So let me get this straight, if I had taken the low offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. I even had stem cell treatment last week to prepare for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready.
“I understand that business deals fail sometimes, but coming out publicly and saying things that aren’t true is not right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday the UFC called me trying to get me on that White House card for a much smaller number.”
Jones ended his statement by saying that he “respectfully” asks to be released from his UFC contract.
Jon Jones enters the ring before facing Stipe Miocic in the UFC Heavyweight Championship fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City, New York. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“No more spins, no more games. Thanks to the real fans who know what’s up,” he wrote.
The UFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Pak Gazette Digital.
Jones is considered one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, with a record of 28-1-1, which includes his last fight with Stipe Miocic, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title. He is also a two-time light heavyweight champion.
