Dana White Welcomes Jon Jones’ Apology Amid UFC Return Speculations

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — UFC President Dana White says he is not holding a grudge against Jon Jones, despite the latter’s controversial retirement earlier this year. White’s comments came after Jones expressed regret over how he handled the situation regarding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall.

For nearly two years, the MMA community buzzed about a possible heavyweight title fight between Jones and Aspinall. However, in early 2025, Jones shocked fans by announcing his retirement, abandoning plans to unify the title after the UFC elevated Aspinall to champion.

More recently, White revealed that the UFC has plans for a special card at the White House in June 2026, prompting Jones to lobby for a spot on the lineup. White acknowledged the request but mentioned that Jones is officially retired, leaving his participation in the event uncertain.

“Listen, he doesn’t need to apologize to me for anything,” White said in an interview with TMZ Sports. “Even through all the bad stuff that Jon and I have gone through, I still say that Jon Jones is the greatest of all time, because it’s a fact. Everybody starts laughing when I say it; Jon Jones is the greatest of all time, period, end of story.”

White emphasized that despite past issues with Jones, it does not change his belief in Jones’s abilities as a fighter. White added, “Dealing with Jon over the last however many years has been a unique experience. But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s the best ever.”

As speculation grows about Jones potentially returning for the White House event, his desire to face light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira remains. However, White still envisions a matchup between Jones and the winner of an upcoming fight between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall regarding the heavyweight title.

“First of all, Ciryl and Tom have to fight again, and whoever wins that fight, them and Jon Jones would be the biggest one ever,” White said, hinting at future possibilities for Jones.