UFC President Dana White has provided a definitive explanation for why legendary fighter Jon Jones was excluded from the upcoming UFC White House card, emphatically denying that the former heavyweight champion was ever under consideration. White's comments come after Jones had publicly suggested he was in negotiations for a return at the iconic event, which would have marked a year since his retirement.
White's Firm Rejection of Jones' Claims
During a recent discussion, White insisted that Jones was "never" in his thoughts for the UFC's White House card, which is set to feature Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at the Freedom 250 event. White reiterated that Jones is retired, stating, "Never, ever, ever, which I told you guys 100,000 times, was Jon Jones ever remotely in my mind to fight at the White House. I've told you why I wouldn't do it."
Health Concerns and Previous Statements
White elaborated on his decision, citing significant health issues as a primary reason. He referenced a video where Jones appeared to struggle with mobility, saying, "Some guy with Meta glasses filmed talking that his hips were so bad, I don't know if you saw that flag football game where he can barely run, he's got arthritis in his hips, the doctor said he should have a hip replacement." White added that these concerns, combined with other unspecified reasons, made the idea of including Jones "bulls***."
Contradiction Over Negotiations
Despite Jones' assertion that he was in "negotiations" for the White House fight, White contradicted this, revealing that he had explicitly informed Jones' lawyer that it would "never gonna happen, ever." White expressed frustration, noting, "And what was even crazier was Jon Jones came out and was like 'I'm in negotiations right now for the White House fight' after I sent a text to his lawyer saying 'never gonna happen, ever'." However, White acknowledged that discussions with Jones had occurred and that the fighter showed interest, but he maintained that a return was off the table.
Confirmation of Retirement
When asked if it is fair to say Jon Jones is retired, White responded unequivocally, "Yes, very fair." This statement solidifies Jones' status as a retired athlete, putting an end to speculation about his potential comeback for high-profile events like the White House card.
Event Details and Context
The UFC White House card, announced during the UFC 326 broadcast, has generated significant attention, partly due to its association with political figures. In a related development, former President Trump has claimed plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium near the White House for a birthday UFC fight, adding to the event's prominence. Jones' omission from the main card, where Pereira and Gane will headline, underscores White's commitment to his decision despite the fighter's public statements.
White's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between UFC management and retired fighters, as well as the careful matchmaking involved in high-stakes events. By addressing the rumours directly, White aims to clarify the situation and focus on the upcoming fights, ensuring fans understand the rationale behind the card's composition.
