Jon Jones is eager to fight at the UFC White House card in 2026. However, he first needs to meet with Dana White to resolve some lingering issues.
For almost a year, fans speculated about a matchup between Jones and Tom Aspinall for a heavyweight title unification. Just when it seemed near, Dana White announced that Jones had retired and given up the heavyweight title, even though they had a verbal agreement for the fight.
Aspinall was then named the undisputed champion, but shortly after, Jones revealed he still wanted to fight. He expressed his hope to be part of the landmark White House card, as announced by former President Donald Trump. Despite this, White remains skeptical, emphasizing he has trust issues regarding Jones’ attendance.
“I want to be on the White House card,” Jones said on the No Scripts podcast. He acknowledged the miscommunication regarding his fight with Aspinall, admitting, “I was wrong. The way things went down, I was wrong.”
White has made it clear that no lineup will be formed for the White House event until early 2026, leaving many fighters, including Conor McGregor, eager for a spot on the card. McGregor has talked about making a comeback after his injury in 2021.
Jones is particularly eyeing a fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who is interested in the matchup as well.
Despite past differences, White still refers to Jones as one of the greatest fighters ever. “When he’s feeling me, I think I’m one of his favorite fighters,” Jones noted about their relationship. He understands that he has annoyed White at times but remains hopeful.
Jones aims to meet White face-to-face to apologize and mend their relationship. With several months until the White House event, he is determined to make it happen, viewing it as a potential grand finale to his iconic career.
In an interview, expert commentators have noted that this anticipated event could significantly impact MMA’s visibility, especially if it brings high-profile fighters like Jones and McGregor back into the spotlight. The popularity of MMA has surged over the past decade, with millions of fans following major events. According to a 2022 report by Statista, the global MMA market is expected to reach over $17 billion by 2026.
Whether Jones gets his wish remains uncertain, but he’s committed to working things out with Dana White. As the excitement builds for the White House card, fans are hopeful for a stellar lineup that could captivate audiences worldwide.
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