Jon Jones is pushing back against claims surrounding his absence from an upcoming event organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, turning a routine fight announcement into a public dispute that has spilled across press conferences and social media.
The controversy began after the UFC revealed the fight card for a June 14 event planned at the White House. Fans quickly noticed that Jones, one of the most decorated champions in mixed martial arts history, was missing from the lineup. The omission sparked speculation across the MMA community.
During a press conference following UFC 326, UFC leadership addressed the situation, dismissing the idea that Jones had been considered for the card.
“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,” the promotion said. Officials also suggested that hip arthritis could prevent Jones from competing again.
Jones responded publicly on March 9, challenging that explanation and claiming negotiations with the UFC had taken place days earlier.
“My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight,” Jones wrote on X. “Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.”
Jon Jones Asks For UFC Release After Absence From Upcoming White House MMA Event
The former champion said discussions continued as recently as Friday. He also revealed he received stem-cell treatment last week while preparing to begin training camp.
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” Jones wrote. “If I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine?”
Jones also rejected suggestions that his career has ended. The 38-year-old holds a 28-1 professional record and previously captured both UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight titles.
“I understand business deals fall through sometimes,” he wrote. “But saying things publicly that aren’t true isn’t right.”
Jones added that UFC officials recently contacted him seeking his participation for a smaller purse.
“If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today,” Jones wrote. “No more spins, no more games.”
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