NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones ended his retirement from the UFC simply because he wanted a spot on the “Freedom 250” fight card at the White House in June.
But when UFC CEO Dana White announced the card during UFC 326 this past weekend, Jones was not among the fighters. As a result, he has requested a release from his UFC contract.
White was candid when asked about Jones after the UFC 326 card.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Jon Jones of the United States reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States for the UFC heavyweight championship during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. ((Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images))
“Never, never, ever, as I’ve told you a hundred thousand times, was Jon Jones ever in my mind to fight for the White House,” White explained to CBS Sports. “Some guy with Meta glasses filmed him talking about his hips — that his hips are so bad. And I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently the doctors say he needs a hip replacement.”
White added that the “Jon Jones thing is bulls—,” and said he texted the fighter’s lawyer saying he would never be on the White House card, even though Jones said he was in negotiations to do so.
UFC ANNOUNCES CARD FOR WHITE HOUSE EVENTS
The Meta Glasses incident White refers to came from a viral video in which Jones, unaware he was being filmed, discussed problems with his hips to a fan.
On Monday, Jones composed a thorough response to White’s comments about him and the White House map. He has previously posted and deleted explanations on social media, but Monday 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 a heavyweight champion in 2025. “So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, would my hip suddenly be fine and I’d be on the White House card? It doesn’t make sense. I even had stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card House and training camp was scheduled to start today I was getting ready to be ready.
“I understand that business deals fall through sometimes, but to go out in public and say things that aren’t true is not right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, it’s disappointing to hear that I’m ‘done.’
Jones concluded his statement by saying he is “respectfully” asking to be released from his UFC contract.
Jon Jones enters the ring prior to his UFC Heavyweight Championship match against Stipe Miocic during the UFC 309 event 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 going on,” he wrote.
The UFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Pakinomist Digital.
Jones is considered one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, owning a record of 28-1-1, which includes his last fight with Stipe Miocic, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title belt. He is also a two-time light heavyweight champion.
