Jon Jones Turns Down Offer to Fight Fedor Emelianenko in Russia: 'He's an Idol to Me'

Jon Jones arriving for UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

As the UFC plans a historic White House event for Independence Day 2026, Jon Jones has become a key piece of speculation about the event. However, if the presidential plan doesn't move forward, the American has already received an unusual alternative proposal: to face Fedor Emelianenko in the middle of Red Square, in Moscow, Russia.

The invitation came from Albert Khachaturov, director of Bare Knuckle FC in Russia. In a video posted on social media, Jones appears alongside the director, who formally invites him to a superfight with Fedor, a global MMA icon, if the UFC at the White House doesn't happen.

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“If this [UFC at the White House] doesn’t happen, I have an alternative for you: Red Square. Would you like it to happen there?” Khachaturov asked.

'Bones,' however, was blunt and dismissed any possibility. Besides noting that he is still under contract with the UFC, the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 lbs.) made a point of praising Fedor and dismissing the idea of facing him for personal reasons.

"Nobody wants to see Fedor and I fight. I don't want to fight Fedor. I absolutely love Fedor. He's been one of my biggest idols for a long time," declared the American.

White House event prompted Jon Jones' return to the Octagon

Jon Jones has been linked to a potential fight against Tom Aspinall for much of 2025, with UFC president Dana White even guaranteeing the fight would take place in November at Madison Square Garden. However, the veteran surprised everyone by announcing his retirement, ending the saga for now.

The decision, however, was short-lived. With confirmation that the UFC would hold a special card as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence, a plan conceived by Donald Trump, Jones became enthusiastic and decided to return to action. The American claims to have already resubmitted his application to the anti-doping program, a mandatory step for any return.