Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones fired back at Dana White on social media Monday, saying he'd be fine with the promotion releasing him in the aftermath of White's viral remarks about him.
"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," Jones wrote.
Jones and White made headlines in recent days after the UFC CEO insisted Jones was "never" in consideration for the promotion's marquee White House card.
"Jon Jones is retired because of his hips," White said after UFC 326. "He's got arthritis in his hips. ... Add that on top of all the other reasons that I wouldn't."
Jones - one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time - disputed White's claims Monday.
"Dana, you were heated about why I'm not on the White House card, but let's clear something up," Jones wrote. "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.
"Yes, I have arthritis in my hip, and it's painful. But that doesn't mean I can't fight. 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 hasn't fought since November 2024 but had been rumored for weeks as a potential candidate to headline the UFC White House card. The UFC legend and Alex Pereira showed mutual interest in a potential megafight.
However, a bout between lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje will headline the June 14 event instead. Pereira will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event.
"I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren't true isn't right," Jones added. "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."
