Jon Jones backed by former rival for UFC White House card, but only under $1M condition

There has been no love lost between the two over the years. Their rivalry dates back to before they even shared the Octagon, and after their 2017 rematch, Jones acknowledged Cormier as his “biggest rival and motivator.”

Now, with some time between them and Jones back in the mix, ‘DC’ has a different perspective. He believes Jones should get a spot on the White House card – but with one important condition.

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

“And if I’m being completely honest, I don’t know that I agree. I think I would let him fight.

“At the end of the day, when we’re fighting at the White House, you want American people that can win. At the end of the night, Noche UFC, last week in San Antonio, had six Mexican-born fighters. They won all six fights. They had three American fighters of Mexican descent and they all won. It felt good for the people leaving the arena that night because the people that they went to support had all found success.

“Imagine if we’re on the White House lawn and the Americans aren’t winning fights. I believe that you gotta let him fight, man.”

Aiming to address White’s doubts about Jones, Cormier has suggested a $1M fine for the 38-year-old if he withdraws from the White House card.

“I think that you put some things in his contract that makes it very costly to not follow through.

“So, if you put Jon Jones on the White House card, say something happens in the law and he has to be pulled off the card, [fine him] a million dollars. Say he just says he doesn’t wanna fight, a million dollars. Say he gets injured, then it should be less as long as the injury can’t be proven. If the injury’s proven, charge him nothing. He’s just a normal fighter that got hurt in training camp.

“But you put these safeguards in place to make sure that he shows up there because one, you pick a card with him and Conor McGregor, massive eyes will be on that card. And two, you put an American guy in the main event that has a real chance to win the fight and send everyone home feeling very good.” 

Jon Jones and Conor McGregor have never fought on the same card

Although Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have previously met, they have never competed on the same fight card.

McGregor has headlined his last 10 UFC events, while Jones has been in the main event for 17 straight fights.

If the two were to share a card, one of those streaks would have to end. Given McGregor’s status as the bigger draw, it would likely be Jones who moves down the order.

White has said he would back McGregor to fight at the White House event but admitted he is “a little more skeptical” about Jones making it to the card.

The Northern Irishman recently confirmed that he will be facing Michael Chandler in that unique card. Chandler is a former Bellator champion who holds a record of 23-10.