Jones Expressed Interest in Competing at White House Event

UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the possibility of Jon Jones’ return at a potential White House event, stating concerns about placing him in high-profile situations, according to international media reports.

Jones had been a focal point for fans and the UFC, particularly concerning a potential bout with former interim champion Tom Aspinall.

Both Jones and the UFC faced considerable public pressure due to Jones’ reluctance to accept Aspinall’s challenge for a unification fight.

However, on June 21, following a UFC fight night in Azerbaijan, Dana White declared Jones’ official retirement, crowning Aspinall as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Amid recent discussions about a UFC event at the White House as part of next year’s July 4 celebrations, proposed by former United States President Donald Trump, Jones conveyed his interest in participating.

In a post on X, Jones, despite being an inactive fighter, voiced his desire to compete at this special venue.

“Fighting at the White House? (eyes emoji)”

He further hinted at ongoing preparations in a subsequent post.

“Just re-entered the testing pool, which lasted about two weeks. Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open,” Jones shared on X.

Conversely, Dana White has rejected this proposition. At a press conference following UFC 318 in Louisiana, he addressed questions about Jones’ potential comeback, responding, ‘I can’t risk it.’

“It’s not even about him winning the belt,” White clarified.

“You know how I felt about him. You know I can’t risk putting him in big positions, in a big spot and have something go wrong – especially the White House card.”