Dana White Still Doesn’t Trust Jon Jones

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 11:12 AM ET

Jon Jones, a former two-division UFC champion, announced his retirement in June 2025 only to reverse course almost immediately after President Donald Trump revealed plans for a UFC event on the White House lawn.

Jones has fought just twice since 2020, and White openly questioned whether the UFC could rely on him for an event of such magnitude.

“At 205?” White said when asked about a potential Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight. “Yeah, that would be a fight. But can I count on Jon Jones? Can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the f*cking White House fight.”

White’s skepticism reflects long-standing concerns surrounding Jones’ history of outside-the-cage issues, which have repeatedly disrupted his career.

But in all reality, we do know that Dana White does want Jon Jones to fight at the White House. Jon Jones is the greatest UFC fighter of all time. And for such an iconic card to take place without the greatest of all time, would really be a shame.

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Dana White is interested in Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight at the UFC White House card but is not sure if he can count on it:
"That would be a fight, but can I count on Jon Jones? I can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the White House fight."

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
… pic.twitter.com/R24LvtPHSS
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 15, 2026

No Fights Yet

For now, the UFC White House card remains completely blank.

White confirmed that no bouts have been booked or even seriously discussed, emphasizing that logistics not matchmaking have been the priority.

“Nothing yet,” White said. “We literally just got all the logistics done. It will be 5,000 seats in the South Lawn. Fighters will walk from the Oval Office. We’ve got all that s*** dialed in.”

The UFC’s immediate focus remains on launching its 2026 calendar.

“Jan. 23 is Zuffa Boxing. Jan. 24 is the first UFC [event of 2026], UFC 324,” White added. “After that card, we’ll start working on the White House fights.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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