Street fighter Death Sentence, known offstage as Maraji Johnson, has issued a bold challenge to Jon Jones ahead of a planned UFC event at the White House on July 4, 2026. Despite recently suffering a knockout loss, Johnson remains determined to face Jones, the former two-division UFC champion, in what would be an unprecedented showdown at the official residence of US President Donald Trump. The challenge comes as Jones prepares to end a brief retirement for the unique card.
Jones, often referred to as ‘Bones,’ has expressed interest in returning to action, but his participation remains uncertain after upsetting UFC CEO Dana White by withdrawing from a heavyweight unification fight with Tom Aspinall. Should the UFC proceed with Jones’ comeback, talks for the Aspinall bout could resume. In the meantime, Death Sentence has positioned himself as an alternative opponent for the UFC legend at this historic event.
I’ll beat the f— outta Jon Jones,
Death Sentence asserted.
Jon Jones, if you ever wanna run it, I’ll fight you at the White House. I promise you. I will! I will fight you at the White House.
Overview of Death Sentence’s Recent Setback
In his most recent fight, Johnson faced YouTube personality Zach Cray, who stands at 5 feet 6 inches. Death Sentence initially showed promise by threatening a rear-choke submission early in the bout, but fatigue quickly became a factor. Cray capitalized on Johnson’s exhaustion, knocking him out and handing him his first defeat since publicly calling out Jones.
Following the loss, Johnson released a lengthy statement on Instagram, reaffirming his commitment to proving himself as a formidable fighter despite the setback. He expressed confidence that the defeats he has endured are part of a larger journey toward ultimate success in combat sports.
I just wanna let you guys know that I am not done. I am just getting started,
Johnson said.
Until I leave no doubt in their minds that I am the strongest warrior to ever f—ing exist in this timeline, I will never stop. Ever! Because I know I am going to win.
He added,
In the end, I will win it all.
The Implications of a Potential Jones vs. Death Sentence Match
Should the UFC approve Death Sentence’s challenge and set up a fight with Jon Jones at the White House event, it would represent a significant moment in MMA history given the venue and the attention surrounding Jones’ anticipated return. The matchup would also highlight the dramatic rise of social media influencers crossing into professional fighting arenas.
For Jones, this event offers a chance to make a highly publicized comeback and entertain fans in an extraordinary setting. For Death Sentence, the fight could serve as a platform to cement his status and silence doubters despite recent losses. The event’s outcome may influence future matchmaking decisions and shape the narrative around both fighters’ careers.