Jon Jones requests release from UFC contract after White House card fiasco
(Courtesy : UFC)
Jon Jones has asked UFC to release him
The ongoing tension between Jon Jones and Dana White has taken another dramatic turn. Following comments made by White after UFC 326, the former two-division champion publicly pushed back against the UFC and even asked to be released from his contract.
Jones addressed the situation in a lengthy message posted on X, disputing claims that he was never seriously considered for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 White House card scheduled for June 14. According to Jones, negotiations with the promotion were real and ongoing.
“Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up,” Jones wrote. “My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations.”
Jon Jones claims he was “lowballed” by UFC
Jones explained that he had already compromised financially in hopes of making the fight happen. The former champion also pushed back against the narrative that his health prevented him from competing.
Jones acknowledged dealing with hip arthritis, but insisted it was not stopping him from preparing for a fight. He revealed that he had recently received stem cell treatment and was preparing to begin training camp.
“I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed, Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight.”
He revealed that he had recently received stem cell treatment and was preparing to begin training camp. Jones questioned the UFC’s logic regarding his health concerns.
“I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense.”
Dana White dismisses White House fight rumors
White, however, gave a very different version of events during the UFC 326 post-fight press conference. The UFC CEO & President insisted that Jones was never seriously considered for the White House event.
“He was never ever, ever remotely in mind for the card,” White said.
While White acknowledged that some conversations may have happened, he claimed he had already told Jones’ lawyer the fight was “never gonna happen, ever.” White cited several reasons for the decision. Those included Jones’ long history of legal issues and concerns about his physical condition.
“He’s got arthritis in his hips,” White said. “Apparently doctors say he should have hip replacements.
White also referenced footage showing Jones struggling to run during a flag football event. Despite the public disagreement, Jones insists the negotiations were genuine.
After everything I’ve given to the UFC… hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing, If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today.”, Jones wrote.
Tom Aspinall backs Jones and criticizes UFC
Jones has also received support from heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s show, Aspinall questioned why a fighter with Jones’ résumé still has to negotiate aggressively for pay.
“This is probably going to sound crazy to a lot of people listening, but why is the UFC not giving Jon the respect he deserves financially?” Aspinall said. “If anybody should be getting money in this sport, it’s Jon Jones.”
Aspinall pointed out that Jones has been one of the sport’s biggest draws for more than a decade.
“We’re talking about Conor McGregor and Jon Jones — those are the guys who’ve brought in revenue for over 10 years.They need to be getting paid what they deserve.”
The dispute also reignited conversations about fighter pay across the sport. Jones was previously rumored to have requested $30 million for a potential fight with Aspinall.
Meanwhile, the White House event will instead feature Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship. Whether Jones and the UFC can repair their relationship remains unclear. For now, the public back-and-forth has created another major controversy involving one of the sport’s greatest champions.
Why did Jon Jones ask to be released from the UFC?
Jones requested his release after claiming the UFC offered him a low financial deal and misrepresented negotiations regarding the White House fight card.
What did Dana White say about Jon Jones fighting at the White House event?
White said Jones was “never ever, ever” seriously considered to headline the event and cited concerns about his health and reliability.
What did Tom Aspinall say about the situation?
Aspinall defended Jones and questioned why the UFC was not paying him appropriately, saying a fighter with Jones’ achievements deserves greater financial respect.
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