TLDR
- Jon Jones says he respects Dana White and can still do business with him despite recent disagreements
- Jones vacated his UFC heavyweight title instead of fighting Tom Aspinall, creating tension with White
- Jones wanted to fight at UFC Freedom 250 but White said he was never under consideration
- The two shook hands and took a photo together at UFC 329 last weekend
- Jones confirms he is still under UFC contract and remains in the drug testing pool
Sources: mmajunkie.usatoday.com | sherdog.com
Jon Jones says he is willing to work with UFC CEO Dana White despite their recent public disagreements. The former two-division champion insists he can separate personal feelings from business decisions.
Jones was scheduled to unify his UFC heavyweight belt with interim champion Tom Aspinall but chose to retire instead. White had publicly backed Jones and assured fans the fight would happen, making the sudden retirement unexpected.
Weeks after vacating the title, Jones re-entered the UFC drug testing pool. He repeatedly campaigned for a spot on UFC Freedom 250, a historic event that took place at the White House last month.
White House Event Causes Tension
White made it clear that Jones was never under consideration for the event. Jones disagreed, claiming he was indeed in negotiations for the historic card.
The disagreement led Jones to publicly request his release from the UFC. He felt snubbed after being left off the event despite his desire to compete.
🚨 Jon Jones says he’s waiting for the UFC to offer him a fight
“The door is open… The UFC are contractually obligated to offer me a few fights a year. When I get offered a fight, that’s gonna be great. We’ll see how I feel.”
(via @ringmagazine) pic.twitter.com/BUA9EvQMus
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 17, 2026
Despite the public dispute, Jones told Ring Magazine that holding grudges prevents big business opportunities. “You’ve got to be able to let bygones be bygones,” Jones said.
Jones pointed out that both he and White have made millions of dollars from their working relationship over the years. He believes their ability to make money together outweighs personal differences.
“I’ve made Dana millions of dollars over the years, and he’s made me millions of dollars over the years, so it’s not always how you feel about a person,” Jones explained. “It’s just, can we still work together? Can we still do business together?”
Jones admitted that while he and White can work together, their relationship likely won’t extend beyond business. “Will I be invited to his house on Christmas? Probably not,” Jones said.
Handshake at UFC 329
The former champion credits White with changing his life. “The guy changed my life, and he is a homie for life,” Jones said. “And despite how he feels about me, I’m always going to give him that respect.”
Jones attended UFC 329 last Saturday to corner Gable Steveson for his UFC debut. He ran into White during the ceremonial weigh-ins.
The two shook hands at the event. Jones sarcastically told White, “Hey, your best friend is here,” according to White’s account of the interaction.
White responded by saying, “Good to see you. Have a good night.” White later revealed that he believes Jones thinks he hates him, but insists he doesn’t.
The pair took a photo together at the event. The public interaction suggested the tension between them may be cooling.
Jones holds a professional record of 28-1 in mixed martial arts, with a 22-1 record inside the UFC octagon. He remains under contract with the UFC and is currently in the organization’s drug testing pool, leaving the door open for a potential return to competition.
