Trending Now - Jon Jones Seeks UFC Release Amid White House Card Controversy

WHO:

Jon Jones, mixed martial arts legend

Dana White, UFC CEO

U.S. President Donald Trump

UFC fighters including Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Aiemann Zahabi, Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, Kyle Daukaus, Mauricio Ruffy, Michael Chandler

WHAT:

Jon Jones requested a release from his UFC contract after not being included in the "Freedom 250" fight card.

Dana White stated that Jon Jones was "never, ever, ever" considered for the White House card.

The UFC White House card is scheduled for June 14, 2026, featuring a six-fight lineup including two title fights.

Jon Jones has a professional record of 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest.

Jon Jones retired as heavyweight champion in 2025.

WHERE:

The UFC White House card will take place at the White House.

Jon Jones' last fight was at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, 2024.

WHEN:

The UFC 326 event occurred on March 5th, 2026.

Jon Jones' last fight was on November 16, 2024.

The UFC White House card is scheduled for June 14, 2026.

WHY:

Jon Jones sought a spot on the White House fight card after ending his retirement.

Dana White claimed that Jon Jones has arthritis in his hips and should consider a hip replacement, which influenced his absence from the card.

HOW:

Jon Jones received stem cell treatment in preparation for the White House card.

Dana White communicated with Jon Jones' lawyer regarding his status for the White House card.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 19:20 UTC)

In a surprising turn of events, Jon Jones has requested a release from his UFC contract after not being included in the upcoming "Freedom 250" fight card, which is set to take place at the White House on June 14, 2026. UFC CEO Dana White stated that Jones was "never, ever, ever" considered for the lineup, despite Jones's impressive professional record of 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest, and his recent retirement as heavyweight champion in 2025. White also mentioned that Jones is dealing with arthritis in his hips, which may have played a role in his absence from the card, while Jones has been undergoing stem cell treatment in hopes of returning to the octagon.