Jon Jones Released? Former UFC Champion Makes Request
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Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been in the news the past couple of days despite not being added to the upcoming UFC White House event.
Jones, who has made it very public knowledge of his desire to fight at the White House this summer despite announcing his retirement back in June 2025, has taken to social media to vent his frustration with UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion.
UFC White House Card To Feature Pair Of Championship Matches
Over the weekend, the UFC announced the main bouts for the special June 14 event from the South Lawn of the White House. Reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is set to unify the belts with interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in the headline fight.
The co-main event will see Alex Pereira, a former light heavyweight and middleweight champion, look to add the interim heavyweight belt to his resume when he faces Ciryl Gane.
Jon Jones Calls Out UFC, CEO Dana White
Jones has since asked for his release from the company, citing issues with negotiations between the two sides.
"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."
Former Champion Explains Health Issues
The 39-year-old Jones noted that he has arthritis in his hip that makes it difficult to train and compete, and that he has been advised to have hip replacement surgery, "but that doesn't mean I can't fight."
"If I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I'd be on the White House card?" Jones wrote. "That doesn't make sense."
Jones last fought in 2024 when he defended the heavyweight title over former champion Stipe Miocic.