Brett Okamoto
Multiple Authors
A public feud between Jon Jones and UFC CEO Dana White escalated on Monday, with Jones mentioning the possibility of his UFC release.
Over the past several months, Jones had expressed great interest in making an appearance on the UFC’s live event at the White House on June 14. The promotion announced the card on Saturday, with Jones as a very obvious exclusion. In the aftermath of the announcement, White claimed Jones was never strongly considered for the event and is retired.
On Monday, Jones, who did retire from the sport in 2025 but quickly changed his mind because of the White House event, accused the organization of lowballing him in contract negotiations.
“Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up,” Jones wrote on X. “My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.
“If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today.”
Jones, 38, also looked to clarify any questions regarding his health. Last month, a video surfaced online of Jones admitting he has arthritis in his hip and has been advised he’ll require hip replacement. White has indicated he took that video as evidence Jones should never fight again.
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. 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.”
Jones, who is widely considered to be the greatest fighter of all time, hasn’t fought since he recorded his one and only heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in November 2024.
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