Jon Jones expressed frustration towards Dana White for denying him the opportunity to participate in the upcoming prestigious White House event. Despite retiring last month after claiming the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic, Jones did not commit to a scheduled bout against Tom Aspinall.
Following retirement, Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion, but Jones re-entered the testing pool due to Donald Trump’s plan to host a UFC event at the White House. While many fighters are eager to join this historic occasion, White dealt a blow to the two-division champion by indicating at the UFC 318 post-fight press conference that Jones might not be allowed to fight at the landmark event due to potential risks.
In response to White’s comments, Jones expressed disappointment but affirmed his dedication to training and readiness to compete in July against any opponent chosen by the promotion. He highlighted the significance of fighting for his country and emphasized his commitment to pursuing a lasting legacy beyond mere victories or titles.
Earlier, Trump announced plans to host a UFC event at the White House, envisioning a grand spectacle with thousands of spectators. Although the UFC has not officially confirmed the event, White’s repost of the clip featuring Trump’s announcement suggests support for the idea.
The future of Jones returning to the octagon remains uncertain, but he eagerly anticipates participating in the groundbreaking White House event next July. Jones hinted at the possibility of retiring after the event but left room for speculation about his future in the sport.