UFC legend Jon Jones has publicly demanded his release from the organization after claiming he was lowballed in contract negotiations for the White House event. The 38-year-old former heavyweight champion, who retired in 2025 only to reverse course for the June 14 card, accused UFC CEO Dana White of dismissing his interest despite ongoing negotiations.

Jones revealed he had actually been in real contract discussions with the UFC for the White House appearance, even reducing his original asking price. When the promotion announced the card without him, White claimed Jones was never seriously considered and remains retired. The exclusion came despite Jones being widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, with his most recent victory being a heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in November 2024.

The dispute intensified when Jones addressed concerns about his health, acknowledging arthritis in his left hip but insisting it doesn't prevent him from competing. He challenged the UFC's logic that accepting a low offer would somehow validate his fitness to fight, suggesting the organization's stance is inconsistent and potentially motivated by other factors.