URGENT UPDATE: UFC CEO Dana White has officially ruled out Jon Jones for the upcoming UFC event at the White House planned for July 4, 2026. Despite Jones expressing interest in fighting at this historic event, White made it clear that the chances are virtually zero, stating, “If I had to make odds, it’s a billion-to-1 odds I put Jon Jones on the White House card.” This announcement comes just days after Jones hinted at a comeback following his retirement from MMA in June.
Jones, 38, retired instead of accepting a heavyweight title unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall. However, shortly after stepping away from the octagon, he revealed plans to return, citing the UFC’s prestigious event at the White House as a motivating factor. White’s dismissal of Jones’ potential inclusion adds a layer of disappointment for fans eager to see one of the sport’s greatest fighters compete again.
During a postfight news conference at UFC 319 in Chicago, White emphasized his concerns over Jones’ reliability, which he believes disqualifies him from participating in such a significant event. “I would not bet on it,” White reiterated, underscoring the severity of his stance.
Jones’ history is marked by both unparalleled success and legal troubles, including being stripped of his title multiple times. Notably, in 2015, he faced a felony hit-and-run charge in New Mexico that impacted his career. More recently, he is under scrutiny for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident in February. These incidents have led to questions about his commitment and reliability as a fighter.
Notably, the event on July 4, 2026, is set to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence and has already attracted interest from several high-profile UFC fighters. Among them is Conor McGregor, who has not fought since 2021. White has stated that he would not start planning the card until next year, but he remains clear about his stance on Jones.
Despite being excluded from the White House card, Jones has re-entered the UFC’s mandatory drug testing program, indicating he is preparing for a return to the octagon. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering what this means for his future prospects, especially with the UFC’s evolving landscape and potential matchups on the horizon.
The anticipation for the White House event continues to build, and with the July date approaching, fans will be watching closely to see who makes the final cut for this landmark occasion. Stay tuned for further updates on the lineup and any potential changes in Jones’ status.
