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Former two-division UFC champion predicts Dana White will give in to Jon Jones’ request

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 10:15 AM ET

One UFC fighter doesn’t see Dana White’s current position on Jon Jones staying in place for too long.

White declared Jones retired after the Baku card in June, using the moment to also confirm Tom Aspinall as the new undisputed heavyweight champion.

Jones didn’t stay retired for long. Not long after, Donald Trump announced plans to hold fights at the White House, and Jones quickly changed his mind.

But if Jon Jones is serious about fighting at a White House event, he’ll need Dana White to change his mind as well.

Henry Cejudo backs Jon Jones to headline UFC White House despite Dana White’s early doubts

Dana White didn’t waste any time responding to calls for spots on the UFC card planned to celebrate 250 years of American independence in 2026.

While Conor McGregor got the green light, Jones was shut down. White pointed to the former two-division champion’s track record and said he couldn’t trust him with such a high-profile slot.

Even though many agree with that view because of Jones’ history, there are some who think White may eventually change his mind.

“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.

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

Cejudo also gave his thoughts on how Tom Aspinall would fare against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. He suggested that if the current heavyweight champion can use his reach, footwork, and athleticism effectively, he should have enough tools to keep it from becoming a wrestling-heavy contest.

Jon Jones receives unexpected backing from Former Foe

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 HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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