Jon Jones Demands UFC Contract Release Amidst White House Fight Dispute with Dana White

Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones has publicly requested an immediate release from his contract, escalating a dispute with UFC CEO Dana White over Jones' exclusion from a planned UFC event at the White House and the perceived lack of respect from the promotion.

Jones had initially announced his retirement last July, shortly before President Donald Trump's announcement of a UFC event on the White House lawn. Inspired by the prospect of participating in this historic event, Jones swiftly reversed his retirement, re-entered the anti-doping testing pool, and actively lobbied for a spot on the card. However, when the White House fight card was unveiled last Saturday, Jones' name was conspicuously absent.

During the UFC 326 Post-Fight Press Conference, Dana White addressed Jones' omission, stating that he "never ever, ever" considered Jones for the White House event. White cited multiple reasons, including concerns about Jones' hip health, arthritis, and his perceived physical limitations shown in a flag football game and a filmed conversation. White also dismissed Jones' claims of ongoing negotiations for the fight, asserting that he had already informed Jones' lawyer that the fight would "never going to happen."

On Monday, Jones responded via X, refuting White's statements and presenting his side of the story. Jones confirmed that his team was indeed in "real negotiations" with the UFC for the White House fight, even reducing his initial asking price, only to be met with a "lowball" offer. He acknowledged his hip arthritis and pain but contended that it did not prevent him from fighting, questioning why his hip condition would suddenly be deemed acceptable if he had accepted a low offer.

Jones further revealed that he had received stem cell treatment the previous week and had a training camp scheduled to begin that very day, all in preparation for the White House event. He expressed disappointment in White's public remarks, especially given his contributions to the UFC over the years. Jones stated that even as recently as Friday, the UFC was still contacting him about joining the card for a "much lower number." Concluding his message, Jones declared, "If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up. Bones out."