'I was lowballed': Jon Jones slams Dana White's 'unwarranted' comments over UFC White House event

Jon Jones has criticized UFC President Dana White over comments related to a scheduled Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House. Jones said he felt 'lowballed' and slammed White’s 'unwarranted' remarks regarding his potential involvement in the White House fight card. In a post on social media, the former two-division champion argued that the promotion did not properly recognize his value for the landmark event. White had earlier downplayed the possibility of Jones competing on the highly anticipated card scheduled for June 14. Jones, however, disputed that claim, saying discussions about his participation were genuine and continued until just days before the lineup was finalized. The disagreement has fueled debate among fans about his absence from the event.

The controversy began on Saturday when White revealed the official fight lineup for the upcoming UFC event set to take place at the White House on June 14. One major surprise was the absence of Jones, who is widely regarded by many fans as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.

Later that evening, White addressed the situation during a press conference following UFC 326, offering his response to questions about why Jones, who has a career record of 28-1, was not included in the highly anticipated fight card.


"Never ever, ever, which I told you guys 100,000 times, was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House," the UFC's CEO said, adding that Jones is suffering from arthritis of the hips that will keep him from fighting again.


Jones, now 38 years old and last seen in action in November 2024, responded to the situation on Monday, March 9, sharing his sharp reaction through a post on his X account.


"My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight," Jones wrote. "Real negotiations. 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," Jones said. "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, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, later spoke about his frustration and disappointment over the situation.

"I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right,'' Jones, a former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, further wrote.

"After everything I’ve given to the UFC , the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m 'done' is disappointing. 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. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up.''