Jon Jones Promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Jon Jones He disagreed with the version presented by Dana White to explain his absence from the UFC White House card. Recently, the Ultimate announced the confrontation between Alex Poatán e Cyryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg) at the historic event, a duel that consequently leaves 'Bones' out of the program. According to the organization's president, the former champion was never in the plans for the special edition, but the athlete himself disputed the statement.
In a social media post, Jones stated that, contrary to what Dana White said, his team did negotiate directly with the UFC to participate in the event. According to the fighter, the talks were concrete, and he even reduced the initially requested amount to make the deal viable. Even so, he stated that he received an offer considered far below what he expected.
“I want to comment on Dana White’s statements from last weekend because the truth matters to me and the fans… Dana, you were upset that I wasn’t on the White House card, but let’s get one thing straight. My team and I were, in fact, negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even lowered the amount I had initially asked for. And what was offered to me in return? A proposal far below what I expected,” Jones wrote.
Next, the American also addressed the physical issues mentioned recently. Jones confirmed that he suffers from arthritis in his hip and acknowledged that the problem causes pain, but stressed that the condition does not prevent him from competing. The fighter also questioned the logic that he would be eligible to fight if he accepted the lower financial offer.
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“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. So let me understand: if I had accepted the low offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I would be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. Last week, I even underwent stem cell treatment to prepare for the White House card, and my training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready,” continued the former champion.
The former champion also expressed discomfort with how the situation was handled publicly. Jones stated that he understands negotiations can fall through, but considered it wrong to release information that, according to him, does not reflect reality. The veteran also highlighted that he was disappointed to hear that he was "finished," especially after years of service to the organization, with title defenses and important fights.
“I understand that negotiations sometimes don’t work out, but going public 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 ‘finished’ is disappointing. Especially when, just last Friday, the UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower price,” explained 'Bones'.
Finally, Jones stated that if the UFC truly considers his career over, he prefers to be released from his contract immediately. The fighter declared that he no longer wishes to deal with distorted versions of the situation and thanked the fans who, according to him, understand what is happening.
“If the UFC truly believes I’m finished, then I respectfully request to be released from my contract today. No more distorted versions, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s going on. Bones is out,” he concluded. Jon Jones.
Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White's comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans.
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…— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) March 9, 2026
Dana White has 'retired' Jon Jones.
Dana White at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
At the post-UFC 326Dana White revealed that he never considered the option of Jon Jones to headline the highly anticipated and special event at the White House. According to the Ultimate president, even if the organization considered putting the former champion on the card, his presence would be impossible due to his hip injury.
"Never, ever, under any circumstances, as I've already told you 100 times." Jon JonesNever, ever remotely, did I consider fighting at the White House. I wouldn't do that. First, I already explained why he wouldn't be there and why I wouldn't. And second, a guy filmed him saying his hips are in really bad shape… Jon Jones He's retired because of his hips. He has arthritis in his hips. Apparently, the doctors said he should get a hip replacement. Besides all the other reasons why he wouldn't do that. This story of... Jon Jones It's a load of rubbish... The craziest thing was Jon Jones "He showed up saying, 'I'm in negotiations to fight at the White House,' after I texted his lawyer saying that was never going to happen. Yes, he's retired," said Dana White.
Check out the full UFC White House fight card.
Light weight (up to 70,3kg): Ilia Topuria x Justin gaethje – worth the linear title of the lightweights
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Alex Poatán x Cyryl Gane – Competing for the interim heavyweight title.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Sean O'Malley x Aieman Zahabi
Lightweight (Up to 70,3kg): Mauricio Ruffy x Michael chandler
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): BoNickal x Kyle Daukaus
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Diego lopes x Steve Garcia
Read More about: Dana White, Jon Jones, UFC White House
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