Dana White has poured cold water on speculation that Jon Jones could return for the UFC event at the White House.
The UFC president addressed the rumors directly while discussing the idea of staging a historic card at the iconic venue.
White made it clear that Jones was never seriously part of the plan.
Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Speaking in comments shared on UFC's YouTube channel , Dana White dismissed claims that Jon Jones was ever close to fighting on the potential White House card.
"No, it's not. Never ever, which I told you guys a 100,000 times, was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House. First of all, I've told you why I wouldn't do it," White said.
He added: "And number two, some guy, with Meta glasses on, filmed him talking about his hips—that his hips are so bad [he can't fight anymore]."
The comments came after speculation began circulating that Jones could return for the unique event.
White indicated that concerns about Jones' health were one of the reasons the former champion was never seriously considered. As a result, the UFC boss insisted the rumors had no real foundation.
White also rejected the suggestion that negotiations for the fight were ever underway.
"Add that on top of all the other reasons that I wouldn't [let Jones fight on the White House card]. The Jon Jones thing is b_______t I'm not saying they weren't talking to Jon Jones, and that Jon Jones wasn't interested," White continued.
The UFC president concluded: "Jones came out and was like, 'I'm in negotiations for the White House fight' after I had already sent a text to his lawyer, 'Never gonna happen ever.'"
White's explanation suggests the UFC had already decided against involving Jones before the rumors gained momentum.
That leaves the future of Jones' UFC career uncertain as speculation continues about whether the former champion will compete again.
For now, White appears determined to shut down the idea that a comeback could happen at the White House event.
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