Dana White Rules Out Jon Jones for UFC White House Card

The possibility of Jon Jones headlining the UFC’s upcoming White House card has been effectively dismissed by UFC President Dana White. This follows the former champion’s brief retirement, which lasted only two weeks in July. Jones had initially stepped back from the sport but made a quick return upon learning that a fight card would be hosted at the residence of former President Donald Trump.

In a recent statement, White expressed significant doubts about Jones’s reliability as a headliner. He stated that he could not “trust” Jones enough to give him the honor of leading such a historic event, especially after Jones cancelled his anticipated fight against Tom Aspinall. During the UFC 319 post-fight press conference, White was candid about his lack of confidence in Jones, questioning what could happen in the next few months to change his mind.

“What do you think Jon would do in the next couple of months that would make me trust putting him on the White House card?” White asked reporters. He further elaborated, “I already said I don’t trust him, and you’re asking me, ‘What could he do for me to trust him in the next three months?’ You don’t trust him! If I have to make odds, it’s a billion to one that I put Jon Jones on the White House card.”

Jones, 38, was previously slated to unify the heavyweight championship against Aspinall at Madison Square Garden in November. Despite the UFC agreeing to his financial demands, which he had referred to as “f**k you money,” he ultimately chose not to proceed with the fight. Jones argued that battling Aspinall would not significantly contribute to his legacy, even as he viewed a matchup at the White House as a more meaningful opportunity.

In his own remarks, Jones reflected on the significance of fighting at the White House, stating, “Fighting for my country gives me a greater purpose!” He emphasized that his desire to be part of the card stemmed from a deeper motivation beyond financial gain, expressing a commitment to representing his country on a prestigious stage.

While Jones remains eager to compete, White’s comments cast a shadow over any potential return to the octagon for the former pound-for-pound king. The UFC continues to navigate its scheduling and fighter commitments as fans await further developments.

As the situation unfolds, the UFC’s plans for the White House card remain uncertain. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Jon Jones can regain the trust of UFC officials and return to the spotlight he once commanded.