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Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has asked for his release from the promotion following a heated dispute surrounding the proposed UFC Freedom 250 White House card.
The development comes after contentious negotiations between Jones and the UFC, along with comments made by CEO Dana White regarding the fighter’s involvement in the event.
White addressed the situation during the press conference following UFC 326, making it clear that Jones was never a serious option for the June 14 card scheduled at the White House.
White said Jones was “never ever, ever,” remotely in mind for the card and revealed that he had already told the fighter’s legal team that it was “’never gonna happen, ever.’”
The UFC boss also reiterated concerns about Jones’ reliability for such a major event, referencing past issues and health concerns.
“I’ve told you why I wouldn’t do it. And No. 2, some guy with Meta glasses on filmed him talking about his hips being so bad. I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run,” Dana White said. “Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, he’s been — doctors say he should have hip replacements. That, on top of all the other reasons that I wouldn’t, but the Jon Jones thing is bulls**t.”
Jones claims he was “lowballed” during negotiations
Jones strongly pushed back against White’s remarks, revealing that his team had been in active negotiations with the UFC regarding the potential fight. According to the veteran fighter, he even reduced his financial demands during discussions.
“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,” Jones wrote. “I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return ? I was lowballed.”
Jones also expressed disappointment with how the situation was handled publicly after years of competing for the promotion.
“I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right,” Jon Jones said. “After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing.”
Jon Jones formally requests release from UFC
Frustrated by the situation, Jones ultimately requested to be released from his contract with 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. 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.”
Jon Jones also revealed that he recently underwent stem cell treatment on his arthritic hip as part of preparations for a potential return and had planned to begin training camp on March 9.
“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?” he wrote. “That doesn’t make sense.”
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