Dana White is shutting down the Jon Jones return rumors once and for all.
In his typical blunt fashion, the UFC boss didn’t hold back on sharing the reality of the situation.
During the post-fight press conference Saturday night following UFC 326, the UFC CEO addressed lingering speculation about the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion after the promotion officially announced the lineup for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled for June 14 at the White House.
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For weeks, fans and pundits have floated the idea of the 38-year-old Jones making a surprise return for the historic card, as he’s vocally expressed interest in it. But White made it abundantly clear the all-time great was never actually in the plans.
“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,” White said.
“First of all, I’ve told you why I wouldn’t do it. And No. 2, some guy with Meta glasses on filmed him talking about his hips being so bad. I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, he’s been — doctors say he should have hip replacements. That, on top of all the other reasons that I wouldn’t, but the Jon Jones thing is bulls***.”
White’s comments poured cold water on rumors that had picked up steam in recent months, particularly after Jones himself recently suggested he was still involved in discussions for the high-profile event.
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According to White, however, those claims didn’t match reality behind the scenes.
“I’m not saying we weren’t talking to Jon Jones and that Jon Jones was interested in the fight,” White said. “And what’s even crazier is Jon Jones came out and was like, ‘I’m in negotiations right now for the White House fight,’ after I already sent a text to his lawyer saying, ‘Never gonna happen, ever.’”
Jones hasn’t competed since defending the UFC heavyweight title in late 2024, and his fighting future has remained one of the sport’s most debated topics ever since. Injuries, personal issues and inactivity have repeatedly clouded the former pound-for-pound king’s status, while White has grown increasingly dismissive about the possibility of a comeback.
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Based on White’s latest remarks, it appears the door may finally be closed for good. And ultimately, Jones’ swan song will remain a random post-fight press conference in Azerbaijan, when White revealed his retirement was official, killing all hope of the highly anticipated clash with now-champion Tom Aspinall.
When asked directly whether it’s fair to consider Jones officially retired for good, White didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, very fair,” he said.
