Jon Jones holds no unwell will towards the UFC or Dana White for excluding him from the historic UFC White Home occasion.
After asserting his retirement in June 2025, Jones rapidly reversed course when President Donald Trump introduced his plans for the White Home card. The multiple-time UFC champion requested a bout on the occasion, however White stated he “by no means, by no means, ever” thought-about Jones’ look.
Regardless of not being instantly concerned, Jones is happy about how June 14 will unfold and what it means for MMA as an entire.
“I actually preferred it,” Jones instructed Purple Nook MMA. “It actually taught me. It was humbling and confirmed us the celebrated stage our sport is at proper now. Once I first began MMA, we weren’t allowed to compete in New York state. Individuals thought-about it taboo and noticed it as a really unusual factor. Now it is a very honorable sport to be part of. It is most likely probably the most prestigious sports activities you could be part of proper now in historical past.”
“I am grateful to be thought-about one of many best gamers within the historical past of the game. I really feel extra vital than ever for the reason that White Home card.”
The UFC White Home ended with Justin Gaethje scoring a dramatic knockout win over Ilia Topuria, unifying the interim and undisputed light-weight titles. This was Topuria’s first loss, and he additionally suffered a facial and orbital bone fracture, making it unclear when he’ll return.
Jones additionally understands the stress of being thought-about invincible, having solely suffered one defeat in his illustrious profession, a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in a match that Jones dominated. Outdoors of the cage, Jones has stumbled many instances, together with arrests for hit-and-runs, DUIs, and home violence incidents.
He sympathizes with Topria’s speedy rise to stardom.
“Once you turn into a UFC champion, you immediately turn into well-known,” Jones stated. “You get invited to dinner, you’ve women, you’ve cash, you’ve a variety of new mates. There’s a variety of issues thrown at you, and in case you’re not grounded sufficient or you do not have a robust sufficient circle or workforce, it is simple to get distracted.
“I have been a sufferer of every part that may occur to a younger athlete: the events, the difficulty, every part. However even in my scenario, I had a workforce that at all times held me to a excessive customary. They by no means let me get discouraged by being down and at all times inspired me to only preserve going.”
Jones absolutely expects Topuria to bounce again and praised his humble response after the loss to Gaethje. Topria gave full credit score to Gaethje, writing, “No excuses. Top-of-the-line camps of my life. I got here in sharp and prepared. Final night time was your night time. That is the character of this recreation. Glory and ache stroll aspect by aspect.”
Along with his thirty ninth birthday simply weeks away, Jones used Topuria’s present scenario to mirror on his profession.
“I at all times say it is fairly simple to get into the UFC,” Jones stated. “It’s totally tough to remain within the UFC, and it is virtually unattainable to stay a UFC champion. So I am actually honored and blessed to have the ability to do what I’ve completed on this sport.”
