“My Gloves are Hung Up” – Jon Jones Confirms Leaving Fighting in the Past After UFC White House Snub

UFC's most decorated fighter Jon Jones will likely never compete in combat sports again after recent admission.

“My Gloves are Hung Up” – Jon Jones Confirms Leaving Fighting in the Past After UFC White House Snub

Jon Jones (via Athlon Sports)

In Short
  • Jon Jones confirms retirement from fighting after UFC White House card snub.
  • Dana White stated he had no plans to book Jones for future fights, leading to Jones seeking contract release.
  • Jones shifts focus to business opportunities, including acting roles and MMA-related reality shows.

Competing on the UFC White House card scheduled for June 14 was deemed super necessary for GOAT candidate Jon Jones. Despite retiring in 2025 after rejecting a lucrative payday against Tom Aspinall, Jones indicated his willingness to compete on the historic card. However, UFC CEO Dana White had other plans.

The UFC boss promised everyone after UFC 309 that Jones would indeed fight Aspinall. Jones and White even had a verbal agreement to book the superfight after UFC accepted the salary demands. However, Jones quickly went back on his word, and chose to retire, thereby rejecting to face Aspinall.

Shortly after the announcement of a future White House card, Dana White repeatedly stated that he had no plans to book Jon Jones. Things reached a boiling point once the fight card was announced and Jones was nowhere near it. This led the former UFC light heavyweight champion to ask for release from his UFC contract. Though that didn’t happen, Jones has seemingly decided on his fighting future.

No bare knuckle. My gloves are hung up. I’m telling these days, ‘You got business Jon Jones, no more fighter Jon Jones.’

Jon Jones via Red Corner MMA

Former UFC fighters like Daniel Cormier and Matt Brown supported Jones having a position on the UFC White House card. Despite the arthritis in his hips, Jones would have gladly competed against Alex Pereira at the White House. After all, it was rumored since ‘Poatan’ called Jones out after UFC 320.

Jones has always made it a point to fight for legacy. Choosing to fight Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 over Tom Aspinall was about having a decorated veteran on his resume. The lack of a name value is why ‘Bones’ never fought Tom Aspinall.

The setting of White House and performing in front of the US President was monumental, or else, Jones would have just stayed retired. Jake Paul offered Jones a chance to make huge money if he could get out of the UFC contract.

Dana White’s promotion are known for playing hardball in negotiations. As such, Jones may never get his UFC release. Like Jones said, he is focused on his business now. Acting roles and other MMA-related reality shows are the most likely destinations of where the UFC legend is likely to end up next.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier almost collided again

ALF Reality 3: Jones VS Cormier is an Ultimate Fighter-based reality show airing in Russia. The third season saw Jones and ‘DC’ as rival coaches. The duo were seen trading back-and-forth shots during the filming of the season. A new episode from a couple of days back revealed a grappling competition, where Jones almost fought DC again.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier facing off for ALF Reality
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier facing off for ALF Reality (via Reddit)

The New Mexico resident used an expletive after his challenge to old rival was not well received. However, DC refused to compete against Jones by citing his reasons.

I’m not grappling. He’s in love with me, he wants to touch me. Don’t touch me.

Daniel Cormier via ALF Reality 3

The third season of ALF Reality went on without any major hurdles. Cormier and Jones acted professionally and there was no brawls like old times. Instead, both of competed against fighters from their opposing team in a grappling sequence, where the duo will try to hold down young fighters in a competitive drill.

Unfortunately, DC may not have taken the competition seriously or the old age may have caught up with him. He tried to hold the young fighter from Jones’ team, but the legend couldn’t hold his opponent down till the time ran out. Meanwhile, Jones successfully completed the challenge, and non-verbally held out his fingers to prove his dominance over his heated rival.

Some time ago, former flyweight and bantamweight champion, Henry Cejudo, tried to broker peace between the two UFC legends. Even Jon Jones tried to be friendly during the filming of the season, but Cormier rejected any friendship offers.

It remains to be seen what collaboration the duo will feature in considering they are still big names in MMA even after their retirement. DC liked the idea of having a wrestling bout against Jones at Real American Freestyle promotion. However, with Jones’ retirement, it remains to be seen if anything happens.

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