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Jon Jones Has Asked To Be Released From His UFC Contract

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 10:35 AM ET

UFC icon Jon Jones pushed back on Dana White's comment regarding his omission from this summer's White House show.

White told reporters that Jones wasn't "even remotely in my mind" to compete at UFC Freedom Fights 250. While Jones expressed interest in coming out of retirement, White downplayed the two sides having any legitimate negotiations, claiming he told Jones' lawyer that the 38-year-old returning to the ring was "never going to happen."

Jones delivered his side of the story on Monday afternoon on social media.

"I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans," Jones wrote. "Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed."

"That doesn't make sense"

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 29: Jon Jones looks prior to a Light Heavyweight title bout against Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden during the UFC 232 event inside The Forum on December 29, 2018, in Inglewood, California. Jones defeated Gustafsson by KO. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

White cited Jones's health when explaining why he didn't consider the multi-time champion for the White House event. A video surfaced last month of Jones saying he has arthritis in his left hip.

Jones acknowledged the medical issue but claimed he still could have competed after receiving stem cell treatment in preparation for the fight. He suggested that White was only using his health as an excuse after "Bones" rejected his terms.

"Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight," Jones said.
"So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense."

Jones, arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time, appeared to feel disrespected by White's comments. He requested his release from UFC if White truly feels he's no longer able to compete.

"I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right," Jones said. "After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m 'done' is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.

"If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up. Bones out."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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