UFC legend Jon Jones has issued a fiery demand for his release from the promotion following a public disagreement with CEO Dana White over fight negotiations. The dispute centres on claims about Jones' potential involvement in the upcoming UFC White House event this summer.
White House Card Negotiations Dispute
Over the weekend, Dana White insisted there had been no discussions with former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones regarding a spot on the White House fight card. This event is headlined by Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship as support.
White categorically stated his organisation was not in talks with Jones about a potential bout against Pereira. However, Jones has vehemently contested this version of events in a detailed social media post.
Jones' Detailed Rebuttal
"I wanted to address Dana White's comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans," Jones wrote. "Dana, you were heated about why I'm not on the White House card, but let's clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations."
The fighter revealed he had reduced his original financial demands during these discussions, only to receive what he describes as a "lowball" offer in return. Jones also addressed concerns about his physical condition, having admitted earlier this year to suffering from arthritis.
"Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it's painful, but that doesn't mean I can't fight," Jones continued. "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."
Medical Preparations and Training Plans
Jones disclosed he underwent stem cell treatment last week specifically to prepare for the White House card, with his training camp scheduled to begin immediately. "I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today," he revealed. "I was preparing to be ready."
The fighter expressed particular frustration at White's suggestion that he is "done" as a competitor. "After everything I've given to the UFC, the years, the title defences, the fights, hearing that I'm 'done' is disappointing," Jones stated.
Contract Release Demand
In a dramatic escalation, Jones has formally requested his release from the UFC. "Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number," he noted. "If the UFC truly feels like I'm done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games."
This public dispute highlights ongoing tensions between one of the sport's most accomplished fighters and the organisation's leadership. Jones emphasised his commitment to transparency, stating: "I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren't true isn't right."
The situation raises significant questions about fighter-contract negotiations, medical transparency, and public communications within mixed martial arts. With Jones demanding his release and White maintaining his position about negotiations, this conflict appears far from resolved.
