UFC GOAT and ex-light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, has been trying for what seems like an eternity to make his way onto the forefront of the coveted UFC White House card in June 2026.
Although Jones is still one of the most of the most recognizable names in the sport, having just retired last summer before promptly un-retiring after news came out that the UFC was planning an event on the White House lawn in 2026, UFC President, Dana White has said publicly that he does not trust Jones to headline what he has stated will be the biggest and baddest card the promotion has ever put on.
However, ex-champion is still holding out hope that the promotion's head will change his mind about the White House - to the extent that he stated on camera during Thursday's 'Dirty Boxing' event his recurring desire to fight at the mega-event, and pleaded with White to have him on the card.
"I really hope it happens," Jones said on Friday, referring to him potentially fighting in DC next summer, before making a direct plea to the man in charge, "Dana - bro please, please bro. I'm training, I feel great, I'm healthy. And I would be so honored to represent our country and do what I do best."
Jones' career - whilst great - has obviously been marred by numerous controversies. However, it is likely not his chequered past that has White reticent to make him the figurehead of the event.
The most likely reason White feels he cannot "trust" Jones comes down to events that transpired this year with regards to the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
The UFC desperately wanted to make the fight pinning him against former interim and current undisputed champion, Tom Aspinall, who just had his championship fight at UFC 321 scored a "no contest" after an eye poke by challenger, Cyril Gane, rendered him unable to continue.
Yet, Jones - after initially verbally agreeing to the fight - renegaded on his word and decided to retire, leaving Aspinall as the undisputed champion and setting up a fight against former heavyweight challenger, Gane - who had previously been submitted by Jones back in March 2023.
So, it tracks that White and fellow matchmakers, Sean Selby and Mick Maynard, may not want someone they regard as unreliable - not mention old and unreliable - to be the promised figurehead of the card, only to be liable to change his mind and decide not to fight.
With regards to potential opponents, Aspinall remains an option, although right now it seems like a rematch with Gane will be his first priority - which given the shortness of the first bout could take place as soon as within the next couple of months.
Jones could be Aspinall's subsequent challenger, if he manages to get through Gane.
But he could also consider fighting current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Alex Pereira, something that Jones himself proposed in the aftermath of 321's anticlimactic ending last Saturday night.