Jon Jones Requests Face-to-Face Meeting With Dana White to Apologize for Recent Antics

UFC veteran Jon Jones talks about wanting to mend his relationship with CEO Dana White ahead of his potential return at the White House event.

Jon Jones Requests Face-to-Face Meeting With Dana White to Apologize for Recent Antics

Jon Jones and Dana White (via X)

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones shocked the world earlier this year by announcing his retirement from MMA. However, Jones has now changed his mind and is determined to earn himself a spot at the upcoming White House event. To make that possible, Jones must repair his strained relationship with UFC CEO Dana White after their recent fallout.

Earlier this year, Jon Jones was expected to face Tom Aspinall in a heavyweight showdown promised to thrill global fans. UFC was prepared to offer Jones a massive $30 million payday to headline the event against the British champion.

However, Jones unexpectedly chose retirement instead, which created disappointment among fans and sparked visible frustration from Dana White. Recently, Jones revealed in an interview that he’s willing to go to great lengths to repair their relationship.

Dana has changed my life, my children’s lives. We had a verbal agreement that didn’t go over well, nothing was finalized, but I do admit I was wrong. I wish I could see him face-to-face and just apologize, so we can let bygones be bygones and get back to making major money for the sport and really entertaining these fans.

Jon Jones via No Script Podcast 

Jon Jones explained how White has often been one of his biggest supporters, consistently praising his talent and career achievements. Despite this, Jones admitted that whenever things didn’t go as planned, he ended up giving White the most stress imaginable. Their long-standing relationship has always been complicated, blending mutual respect with frequent disagreements over fights, pay, and career choices. 

From championship disputes to contract negotiations, both men have clashed yet always found ways to reconcile eventually.  One major instance occurred in 2014 when Jones refused to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice, forcing White to cancel UFC 151.

In 2020, Jones demanded higher pay for moving to heavyweight, leading to public arguments and White questioned his negotiation tactics. Now, things have soured due to Jones not fighting Aspinall despite the verbal agreement.  

Jon Jones reveals regretting not fighting Anthony Johnson

Jon Jones is widely regarded as the most decorated fighters in UFC history, holding several records and accolades. He became the youngest ever UFC champion at just 23, when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to capture the light heavyweight title. Throughout his career, Jones has been in several wars with veterans such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, Rampage Jackson, and Lyoto Machida.

Jon Jones in his prime
Jon Jones in his prime (via X)

Jones is well known for his exceptional fighting IQ, unpredictable striking, dominant wrestling, and creative techniques. However, there is one legendary fighter that Jon Jones missed the opportunity to share the Octagon with during his career. In his interview with the No Script Podcast, the veteran discussed this missed opportunity in great detail. 

I ended up getting in trouble and wasn’t able to fight. Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson is one of the scariest, yet most respectful people ever. At the same time, somewhere in my heart I was glad that it didn’t happen. He was a scary cat. He really intimidated me a lot, but that’s my job to go out there against guys that are very intimidating and put myself on the line.

Jon Jones continued. 

During his prime, Anthony Johnson was one of the most lethal knockout artists in UFC history, feared by everyone. He recently passed away at just 38 years old after a long battle with a rare autoimmune disorder. Him vs. Jones would have been an incredible fight as ‘Bones’ is well known for taking on strikers with ease. 

Currently, Jones is targeting another elite striker, the reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, for the upcoming White House event. Many fans and analysts have already deemed this potential clash as the biggest and most anticipated fight in UFC history.

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