Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UFC Heavyweight Champion Delivers Verdict on Potential Jon Jones Matchup For White House Card

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Binoy | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 9:56 PM ET

For years, UFC fans were strung along with the idea of a dream matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. The fighters hinted at it, Dana White fueled the hype, and everyone was waiting for that “fight announcement” moment. But then out of nowhere, Jones dropped the retirement bomb, the UFC stripped him of his title, and the whole thing felt dead in the water.

Now, just as the dust was starting to settle, Jones is suddenly talking about wanting in on Dana White’s big plans for a White House event. The catch? If Jones does get on that card, it won’t be against heavyweight champion Aspinall, who’s made it very clear he’s not interested.

Tom Aspinall isn’t interested in a fight against Jon Jones at the White House

“Not interested mate. And the world shouldn’t be interested either, because what’s the point. Just false hope.”

@arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/1Wk2h4obHA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 11, 2025

Aspinall recently joined Ariel Helwani on his YouTube channel for an interview. When the Brit was asked about potentially fighting Jon Jones at the White House, he said, “It has spent zero seconds in my mind. Not interested mate. And the world shouldn’t be interested either, because what’s the point. Just false hope.”

Jon Jones Wants Back in for the White House Card

Jon Jones isn’t hiding the fact that he’s bummed about being left out of the UFC’s potential 2026 White House card. The former heavyweight champ who shocked fans by retiring just a month ago says he’s still in the USADA testing pool and training like a pro, even without a fight booked.

Then came news of a historic UFC event at the White House for America’s 250th birthday, and Jones quickly threw his name in the hat.

White initially floated Jones vs. Aspinall as the dream main event but later backtracked, citing Jones’ history of off-the-cage issues and saying he couldn’t risk it. Jones responded on social media, admitting he’s disappointed but still locked in. He says fighting on that stage isn’t about belts or paychecks; it’s about legacy, representing his country and being ready when the call comes.

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

More must-reads: