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Dana White predicted to ‘cave in’ to Jon Jones request by former two-division UFC champion

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 10:13 AM ET

One UFC star does not expect Dana White’s stance on Jon Jones’ return to hold for long.

Jones had a short-lived MMA retirement , which White announced after the June event in Baku while simultaneously elevating Tom Aspinall to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Soon after ‘Bones’ decided to hang up his gloves, Donald Trump’s announcement of fights at the White House resulted in the UFC GOAT contender making an immediate U-turn.

But if Jones’ desire to compete at the UFC White House event is to become a reality, he’ll need the boss to make a U-turn of his own.

Despite the odds, I’m still training and optimistic about the possibility of being part of the White House event. At the end of the day, Dana is the boss and it’s his call whether I compete that night or not. I do know Dana was really excited about the fight, and the door hasn’t…
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2025

Henry Cejudo expects Dana White to give in and book Jon Jones for UFC White House

It did not take long for Dana White to address two of the most prominent pleas for a spot atop the White House card, which will celebrate 250 years of American independence in 2026.

But while it was good news for Conor McGregor, White firmly rejected Jones’ comeback plan, describing the former light heavyweight and heavyweight UFC champion as too unreliable for such a big occasion.

Although that stance has been supported by many owing to Jones’ history, not everyone expects the UFC CEO to maintain it in the months ahead.

“USA vs England…and I do believe that Jon Jones takes out Tom Aspinall within the first championship round,” Henry Cejudo said on his Pound 4 Pound podcast.

“This should be the main event. Of course (over McGregor). Conor McGregor’s a felon, bro. I’d be surprised he’s even gonna be walking inside the damn White House.

“It should be that way (Jones headlining) just based on merit,” Cejudo continued. “President Dana White is gonna cave in, bro…and he’s gonna give Jon Jones that opportunity.”

Jon Jones also has the unlikely support of his arch-rival

Cejudo is not the only prominent name backing Jones’ White House hopes. And the most notable supporter came as a big surprise to many.

Despite having one of the sport’s most bitter rivalries of all time, Daniel Cormier wants to see Jones chosen by White and the UFC to headline the national celebration next year.

“Dana seems more stern in not letting him today than I have ever seen him in regards to Jon Jones,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.

“If I’m being completely honest, I don’t know that I agree.

“I think I would let him fight,” Cormier added.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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