Jon Jones Demands Immediate UFC Contract Release Amidst White House Fight Controversy

Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones has publicly requested an immediate release from his UFC contract. This demand comes after a dispute with UFC CEO Dana White regarding Jones' exclusion from a planned White House UFC event and White's comments about Jones' health and negotiation status.

Jones' Initial Hopes for White House Event

Last July, when then-President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of the America 250 Freedom celebration, Jones, who had recently announced his retirement, quickly reversed course. He re-entered the anti-doping testing pool, eager to participate in the historic occasion.

Dana White's Stance and Jones' Continued Efforts

UFC CEO Dana White almost immediately dismissed the idea of Jones fighting at the White House. Despite this, Jones continued to advocate for his inclusion. However, when the White House fight card was unveiled the previous Saturday, Jones' name was conspicuously absent.

White's Explanation for Exclusion

During the UFC 326 Post-Fight Press Conference, White clarified why Jones was not included. He stated, "Never ever, ever, which I told you guys 100,000 times, was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House. I wouldn’t." White cited both his general disinclination to have Jones at the event and significant health concerns. He specifically mentioned a video showing Jones discussing severe hip issues and an apparent struggle to run during a flag football game. White indicated that Jones had retired due to arthritis in his hips, with doctors reportedly suggesting hip replacement surgery, adding, "That on top of all the other reasons." White also disputed Jones' claims of ongoing negotiations for the White House fight, stating he had already informed Jones' lawyer it would "never going to happen, ever," even as Jones publicly claimed to be in talks.

Jones' Rebuttal and Contract Release Request

On Monday, Jones took to social media to respond to White's comments, emphasizing the importance of truth to him and his fans. He addressed White directly:

"Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed."

Jones directly challenged the narrative around his health:

"Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense." He further revealed, "I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready."

Expressing his frustration with the perceived dishonesty and lack of appreciation, Jones continued:

"I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m 'done' is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number."

Concluding his statement, Jones made his ultimate request:

"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."