Jon Jones calls missing the UFC White House card one of his biggest regrets

Jon Jones has few regrets about how his career ended, but one stands out: the UFC's event at the White House, which he watched instead of fought on. "I don't usually regret my decisions, but not being part of that event is one of the biggest regrets of my life," he said, in a translated quote reported by CroRing.

The story behind the absence is more tangled than a retirement decision. According to CroRing, Jones tried hard to get onto the card once the UFC confirmed the event, but his relationship with the promotion had already been badly damaged. The outlet points to a contract dispute tied to a possible heavyweight unification fight with Tom Aspinall, who had since won the interim belt.

CroRing also says Aspinall had been loudly calling Jones out and suggesting the American had effectively retired, arguing the division should move on without him. Jones reportedly sought to make amends with UFC leadership, but according to the outlet Dana White had already made his decision and the door stayed closed.

Jones is 39 and officially retired in June 2025. His last fight was a third-round TKO of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in November 2024. He called it an almost perfect farewell, and said his late brother and his father were in the crowd that night.

The regret does not reopen a return on its own. Our records show Dana White has said Jones is not afraid to fight Aspinall, but no date, event or agreement exists. Gane defends the heavyweight title against Josh Hokit on Nov. 14, so the division is moving on. Watch for whether Jones follows these comments with any move toward a comeback.