'I Can't Risk It' - Dana White Rules Out Jon Jones for White House UFC Event Following Retirement U-turn

Dana White has stated he "can't risk" putting Jon Jones at the center of a UFC fight night at the White House.

In recent weeks, former heavyweight champion Jones reversed his decision to retire from MMA.

Last month, he walked away from the sport, feeling he had no new challenges left.

This led to interim champion Tom Aspinall being promoted to undisputed title holder.

However, when US President Donald Trump announced his intention to host the first-ever fight night at the White House, Jones immediately expressed interest.

He later elaborated on his decision, stating he wanted to challenge whichever heavyweight champion was reigning upon his return.

It seems UFC President Dana White isn't on board with the idea.

Following UFC 318 on Saturday night, White was asked if he'd support Jones returning directly for a title shot at the White House event.

"It's not just about him winning the belt," White responded in the post-event press conference.

"You know how I feel about him. I can't risk putting him on such a big stage and something going wrong. Especially with it being at the White House."

Aspinall is yet to make his first heavyweight title defense but is likely to face #1 contender Ciryl Gane before the end of the year. He's one of the most dangerous fighters in UFC history and will likely still hold the belt when Jones makes his intended return on July 4, 2026.

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor also confirmed his interest in participating in the event:

"I'm going back home, I'm going to rest. They're testing me, I'm already in the testing pool!" he said. "So get ready because there's going to be damage. The Oval Office, the White House garden!"

If Jones and McGregor participate in the landmark event, it could become the biggest in UFC history.

White has already promised it will be "the biggest fight card of all time":

"Whoever manages to attend live will have a unique and incredible life experience," he said.

"While the fights are going on and we're filming, on one side of the stage will be the White House and on the other, the Washington Monument. Unique, brutal, and completely unrepeatable!"

Dana White spoke after Max Holloway put on an incredible performance at UFC 318, defeating Dustin Poirier by decision.

For Poirier, this was his last fight in the Octagon, having announced his intention to retire before the bout.