Jon Jones Credits Donald Trump for Reeling Him Back into Fighting: “Means the World to Me”
UFC veteran Jon Jones talks about his opportunity to fight at the White House UFC event, hosted by Donald Trump.

Jon Jones is eager to fight at the UFC White House event (via Instagram)
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A few weeks ago, US President Donald Trump surprised everyone by officially announcing the historic upcoming UFC White House event. Shortly after the announcement, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed they will create the biggest and most stacked fight card ever. As expected, multiple top UFC superstars have shown interest in participating, including legendary former two-division champion Jon Jones.
After months of title fight rumors with Tom Aspinall, Jones stunned fans by suddenly announcing his unexpected retirement decision. Following Trump’s UFC White House event announcement, Jones returned to the testing pool, sparking massive comeback excitement. In a recent ESPN MMA interview, Jones passionately explained his motivation to represent America during this historic night.
I was retired. I felt like I was at a place where I have done it all in the MMA space. I felt like there weren’t any challenges for me. Just wanted to do something more than championships or money and Donald Trump mentioned that he wanted to have a fight at the White House garden and that just seems like such a huge opportunity….To be able to entertain the country and the world at this level at the White House means the world to me. So, I’m back.
Jon Jones via ESPN MMA
Jones has always expressed strong patriotism, frequently speaking about his deep pride in representing the United States worldwide. His respect for Trump is well-known, often praising the President’s support for UFC fighters and American combat sports. At UFC 309, Jones defended his heavyweight championship and celebrated with a short dance honoring the United States President.
Jon Jones explains why he decided to come out of retirement:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 17, 2025
"To be able to entertain the country and the world at this level at the White House means the world to me.
I'm back." 👀👀
🎥 @espn #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/gv7dfBRbXi
Apart from Jones, global UFC icon Conor McGregor has expressed excitement about competing at the historic White House event. McGregor currently has two remaining fights on his UFC contract and is eager to fulfil both commitments in spectacular fashion. According to his business associate, David Feldman, McGregor intends to begin his return by headlining the monumental White House event.
Other than that, controversial kickboxer/influencer Andrew Tate has also expressed interest in competing on the blockbuster White House card. White recently confirmed plans to make this White House event even bigger and better than the famous Sphere event from Noche UFC. With nearly one year remaining, fans are eager to witness how this historic and highly anticipated spectacle ultimately unfolds.
Who will Jon Jones fight at the White House event?
Jon Jones developed a heated rivalry with Tom Aspinall after repeatedly avoiding calls to face the rising UK heavyweight contender. Aspinall publicly accused ‘Bones’ of strategically ducking him, claiming Jones deliberately avoided defending his belt against the younger, dangerous challenger. After Jones announced his retirement, the UK native boldly stated that without even fighting, he had effectively retired the GOAT.

However, this heated rivalry between Jones and Aspinall could finally conclude with a spectacular showdown at the White House event. Fans worldwide are hopeful the long-awaited clash happens, settling debates and delivering a historic moment inside the octagon. In a recent interview, the former two-division champion talked about his plans and his desired opponent.
I would probably take on whoever is holding the belt by the end of the year. As of now, the champion is Tom Aspinall. It would be only fair to have an American guy fighting for the championship that night.
Jon Jones via The Score
Jon Jones says he may return to UFC action against whoever is the heavyweight champion at the time, if the White House does host the event. 🗣️
— theScore (@theScore) July 17, 2025
(🎥: @joyofeverything) https://t.co/Kkc6UlkUNE pic.twitter.com/GdDNNU0fAk
However, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has talked about the potential disadvantages of Jones fighting Aspinall. According to the veteran, if Aspinall beats Jones and defends his belt, it won’t look good on the occasion of Independence Day. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how things come to fruition in the upcoming months.
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