UPDATE: UFC CEO Dana White has decisively ruled out a fight for Jon Jones at the much-anticipated White House event scheduled for July 4, 2026. Despite Jones expressing a strong interest in participating, White stated that the odds of this happening are a staggering billion-to-1.
During the UFC 319 postfight news conference in Chicago, White emphasized, “I would not bet on it,” effectively quashing hopes for Jones’ return. The former champion, who retired from MMA in June rather than face Tom Aspinall for a heavyweight title unification bout, has recently indicated a desire to make a comeback, citing the upcoming White House event as motivation.
However, White’s firm stance reflects ongoing concerns about Jones’ reliability. The fighter, often hailed as the greatest in MMA history, has faced numerous legal troubles outside the octagon that have complicated his career. Most notably, he was stripped of his title multiple times, including a significant incident in 2015 when he was arrested for a felony hit-and-run in New Mexico.
“His history has made him unreliable, which is why he won’t be on the card,” White added, justifying his decision.
Jones is currently facing criminal charges from an incident in February where he allegedly left the scene of an accident. Additionally, in 2016, he was flagged for a doping violation just prior to the highly publicized UFC 200 event, leading to a one-year suspension.
While White has not yet finalized the fight card for the White House celebration, he noted that other big-name fighters, including Conor McGregor, have expressed interest. McGregor has not fought since 2021 but remains a popular figure in the sport. White stated he would begin serious discussions about the card next year but reiterated that Jones is unlikely to be included.
Despite the negative outlook from White, Jones has reentered the UFC’s mandatory drug testing program, signaling his commitment to be prepared for the July 4 event. As the UFC plans this historic occasion to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, fans and fighters alike are eager to see who will be part of this monumental event.
The dynamics surrounding Jones and the UFC’s plans for the White House event are evolving rapidly. With his storied career hanging in the balance and significant public interest, the fight world will be watching closely for any further developments.