Despite Apology From Jon Jones, Dana White Sides With Conor McGregor to Headline White House Event

Conor McGregor once again proves his superstar status after UFC CEO Dana White chooses him over Jon Jones for White House event.

Despite Apology From Jon Jones, Dana White Sides With Conor McGregor to Headline White House Event

Dana White picks Conor McGregor over Jon Jones to headline the White House card (via UFC, Men's Health)

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There is doubt that CEO Dana White has transformed the UFC into a billion-dollar juggernaut from a struggling company. This was due to White’s mindset and business decisions that influenced some of the most significant PPV events. However, when asked about the upcoming 2026 White House card, White believed that superstar Conor McGregor was more reliable than former heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones.

The White House card is the talk of the town in the MMA community since it was given a date. However, ever since the announcement, many fighters have been vocal regarding their chance to fight on the legendary card. Jones even announced that he was ready to come out of retirement to headline the event. However, his decision not to fight Tom Aspinall have put a doubt in the mind of the UFC CEO.

White was seen caught up in management duties for the upcoming super fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. He appeared on the W.A.D.E. Concept hosted by podcaster Wade Plemons and was asked about who would headline the event. However, White revealed that he would prefer the Irishman over ‘Bones’ as he needs someone whom he can “count on” to take such a responsibility.

I need people on this card that I can count on. That no matter what happens, opponents get switched out or whatever happens. I need guys that I can absolutely count on that are gonna show up. Say what you want about Conor McGregor, but he is that guy; he is always gonna be that guy. When the **** hits the fan, who is willing to go out and Conor McGregor has always been that guy.

Dana White via The W.A.D.E. Concept

This development further fuels the conversation about McGregor’s star power within the UFC. Despite multiple injuries, long layoffs, and questions about his future in the Octagon, the former two-division champion continues to be viewed as the sport’s biggest draw. White’s words underscore the fact that, even with names like Jon Jones in the mix, McGregor remains the company’s most marketable fighter.

The Irishman’s status as one of the UFC’s most bankable fighters is backed up by staggering numbers. He holds the record for the top five best-selling pay-per-views in UFC history. This included UFC 229 against Khabib Nurmagomedov, which generated around 2.4 million buys, which was the highest in the promotion’s history.

His boxing crossover with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 went even further, racking up 4.3 million buys and becoming the second-biggest pay-per-view event of all time across any sport. According to Forbes, McGregor was the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2021, and earned an estimated $180 million that year.

McGregor has himself shown interest in headlining the White House event, and the Irishman’s return will undoubtedly break records. While Jones may have been overlooked for this occasion, the former heavyweight champion reportedly apologized to Dana White for past tensions. However, it looks like White has made up his mind and will entertain the return of the ‘Notorious One’ to the Octagon.

Why did Jon Jones apologize to Dana White?

Jon Jones’ decision to apologize to Dana White stemmed mainly from the fallout surrounding the Tom Aspinall situation. The heavyweight champion was initially scheduled to defend his title in a high-profile matchup against Aspinall, who was the interim champion at that time. Still, the fight ultimately failed to materialize due to delays and uncertainty.

Jon Jones apologized to Dana White
Jon Jones apologized to Dana White (via Bloody Elbow)

For the UFC, the constant back-and-forth created frustration at a time when the company needed stability in its marquee divisions. The apology was seen as Jones acknowledging both the UFC’s position and White’s need to run the organization without distractions. The UFC boss spoke about the situation during an interview with Infinity Sports podcaster Zach Gelb and revealed the details of Jones’ apology.

He reached out via text and said, ‘I’m sorry how this all played out, whatever I want to fight at the White House, I’m serious about that.’ I appreciate him reaching out, but I need people I can count on for this fight. I know who they are, I know who they are not.

Dana White via Zach Gelb Interview

Over the years, Jones has had a rocky relationship with the promotion, marked by disputes, suspensions, and long layoffs. By contacting White directly, he appeared to signal a willingness to smooth things over, perhaps realizing that maintaining a positive rapport with the UFC was essential to securing future opportunities.

However, White made it clear that the apology, while appreciated, did not immediately change his stance regarding the White House event. His pointed comments suggested that while Jones remains one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, his inconsistency and past issues have placed him outside the circle of trust for moments of such importance.

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