
UFC’s Dana White and Jon Jones Clash Over Trump White House Event Controversy
Dana White Clashes with Jon Jones Over Potential Trump White House Fight
UFC President Dana White and legendary fighter Jon Jones are locked in a public dispute over Jones’ hopes to compete at a proposed July 4, 2026, fight card at Donald Trump’s White House. The event, announced earlier this month, aims to celebrate America’s 250th birthday—and Jones has signaled his eagerness to participate despite retiring in June.
[Image: Jon Jones presenting his UFC championship belt to Donald Trump after a November fight.]
Jones, 38, handed Trump his heavyweight title belt after defeating Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden last year, calling it an “honor.” He later told TMZ he had a “strong feeling” he’d fight at the White House, calling it a “retirement bout” with “greater purpose.” However, White dismissed the idea during UFC 318’s post-fight press conference, citing Jones’ controversial history.
“It’s not even about him winning the belt,” White said. “I can’t risk putting him in a big position like the White House card.” Jones, who vacated his title upon retirement, responded on social media, expressing disappointment but determination: “I’ll stay ready… fighting for my country gives me a deeper ‘why.’”
[Image: Dana White addressing media at UFC 318 press conference.]
While Jones claimed the White House event might mark his final fight, he acknowledged White’s reservations as “understandable.” The UFC star’s career has been marred by suspensions and legal issues, including a 2016 doping violation that derailed UFC 200 and a 2015 hit-and-run arrest. White previously blasted Jones in 2012 for refusing a last-minute fight, which canceled an entire event, calling the decision “selfish.”
[Image: Jon Jones training in the gym amid past controversies.]
Despite their feud, White has praised Jones as the “pound-for-pound best fighter.” Trump, a frequent UFC attendee, has built a rapport with both men, appearing ringside at multiple events.
[Image: Donald Trump with Dana White at a UFC event in Miami.]
Jones remains in the UFC’s drug-testing pool and vows to train until a decision is made. Whether White relents—or Jones accepts another fight—remains uncertain, but the MMA world watches closely as the deadline approaches.
[Image: Trump and Jones meeting at Madison Square Garden during UFC 309.]
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