Jon Jones Requests Release From UFC Contract

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 5:28 AM ET

Jon Jones, the former two-division champion, has called on the UFC to release him from his contract.

The comments follow after UFC CEO Dana White’s decision to exclude Jones from the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House on June 14. The fallout began when White claimed Jones was “effectively retired” and “never considered” for the June 14 event due to severe hip arthritis. Jones, 38, has since hit back, accusing the promotion of misleading him during active negotiations that allegedly lasted until last Friday. Jones has now had his say on the matter.

Jones Reacts

“Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans. 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.

“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. 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. I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready. I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right. 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,” Jones said

Aspinall’s Response

Jones’ frustration has resulted in support from UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall confirmed that Jones was offered $30 million to fight him. There were strong hopes the fight would get made, with White feeling extremely confident. However, Jones’ retirement last June prevented that. While Jones vacated his belt and later reversed his retirement, the UFC were reportedly only willing to offer him around half of the $30 million to fight Aspinall.

“This is probably going to be crazy to a lot of people listening, but why is the UFC not giving Jon the respect he deserves financially? That’s crazy to me. If anyone should be getting paid a lot in this sport, it should be Jon Jones for the stuff that he’s done. And that’s me saying that! After the history that I’ve had with Jon Jones. They offered him $30 million to fight me. Why don’t they offer it again? I don’t understand,” Aspinall stated

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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