Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently referenced his retirement while reacting to President Donald Trump’s idea of a White House pay-per-view fight card slated for 2026. Jones, who has always emphasized the importance of headline-grabbing fights that impact his legacy rather than simply high-profile matchups like Tom Aspinall, appeared intrigued by the prospect of fighting at such a prestigious event. A White House event seemed like an ideal stage to make a lasting impression, fitting the bill perfectly for Jones’s career ambitions.

Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White expressed strong reservations about promoting such a card centered around Jones, citing the fighter’s unpredictable history as a major concern. White reaffirmed his stance even after Jones reentered the DFSI drug testing pool shortly after announcing his retirement, signaling Jones’s continued desire to return to competition. Jones showed appreciation toward President Trump for proposing the “America 250” July 4th celebration, which inspired the concept of the White House fight card. However, Dana White ultimately dismissed the possibility, and Jones publicly responded to the UFC chief’s decision.

Joe Rogan Agrees with Dana White on the Risks of a Jones Headliner at the White House

UFC commentator Joe Rogan supported Dana White’s cautious approach regarding a Jon Jones headliner at the White House. Rogan explained that UFC executives, led by White, have to carefully consider the liability involved with hosting a fight at such a sensitive location.

“[With White House card] …Now he wants to fight for the title at the White House and Dana is like — ‘Nope, I can’t trust Jon to not fu*k something up’. It is…It is too risky [for Dana]. It’s a story as old as time isn’t it…[With Jon].”

—Joe Rogan on his ‘JRE’ MMA Show #168 with Khalil Rountree Jr.

Rogan’s remarks highlighted UFC’s wariness given Jones’s tumultuous past and the complexities of arranging a fight inside the White House grounds. The Albuquerque-based fighter faces legal issues, including a pending hearing related to an alleged misdemeanor, and accusations of threatening behavior during a DFSI drug test pool session involving agent Crystal Martinez. These incidents, coupled with Jones’s history of failed drug tests and erratic conduct, significantly amplify the risks for UFC’s leadership if they were to proceed.

Rogan, who is expected to return to the commentary booth alongside former rival Daniel Cormier for UFC events, often praises Jones’s fight IQ and longevity despite the controversy surrounding him. Rogan is eager to be ringside whenever Jones competes, underscoring the fighter’s enduring draw, even in the midst of ongoing challenges.

Jon Jones’s Troubles Cast Shadow Over Event Possibilities

Jones’s difficulties extend beyond competition. His legal troubles are serious and public, including an arraignment in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, concerning alleged violent threats he reportedly made while intoxicated. He pled not guilty and presented surveillance footage to contest the charges. These problems are part of a broader pattern that has complicated Jones’s career and public image, making the idea of a White House event starring him far less certain.

The Lingering Rivalry Between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier

One of the most intense and protracted rivalries in UFC history is between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Their confrontations, both in and out of the octagon, have captivated fans and deeply impacted those involved. The rivalry includes two official fights, both won by Jones, although the second bout was later nullified due to Jones testing positive for banned substances.

The animosity has often been more personal than professional, with the two exchanging heated barbs and public challenges. Despite defeat, Cormier has expressed a nuanced perspective on Jones’s repeated offenses, acknowledging human fallibility while recognizing a troubling pattern.

“Yeah, it did suck to lose, …I can admit that. I’m a man. [It] Did suck to lose…It hurt a lot more, in 2017…That’s eight years past. I’m not stuck on that. Also, you can’t say that you’re the most painful thing that’s happened in a person’s life when they’ve lost a child! You say I’m the most painful thing that’s happened in a person’s life when they’ve lost a child or their father got murdered. But, again, he knows that. But that’s why you know you’re dealing with a different type of human being…”

—Daniel Cormier via his Official YT Channel

Cormier’s remarks refer to Jones’s claim that he was the biggest hardship in Cormier’s life—a statement controversial given Cormier’s tragic personal losses, including the deaths of his infant daughter and his father. The profound history between these two competitors fuels speculation that their rivalry may persist indefinitely.

Future Prospects and UFC’s Strategic Decisions

Though a Jon Jones fight at the White House pay-per-view card is currently off the table, discussions about potential superfights continue within the UFC. Dana White previously called a Jones versus Tom Aspinall matchup his dream headline, illustrating how seriously he views Jones’s significance in the sport despite the challenges.

Jones’s recent reentry into drug testing signals he is still eyeing a comeback, while UFC figures like Rogan and Cormier remain engaged with his career storylines. However, the legal and personal complications surrounding Jones make promotional decisions particularly delicate for Dana White and the UFC executives.

The White House fight card idea offers a prestigious platform that could elevate MMA’s profile, but the administration and UFC leadership must weigh reputational and logistical risks carefully. Given the ongoing concerns about Jones, Dana White appears determined to prioritize stability over headline allure, limiting the possibilities for such a high-profile event in the near future.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?

A. During the hearing, it came to light that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are compounds in Tadalafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction, which Jones admitted to using.

Q. What has Jon Jones tested positive for?

A. Jones tested positive for Turinabol, which is an anabolic steroid. Because of this, he received a temporary suspension.