UFC's Jon Jones Says 'My Gloves Are Up' After White House Snub

Former UFC champ Jones retires, shifts focus to ambassador role for bare-knuckle boxing promotion

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:26am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-angled movements of two fighters in a UFC match, rendered in muted earth tones without any identifiable figures or text.The abrupt retirement of UFC superstar Jon Jones signals a shift in the combat sports landscape, as top fighters explore new opportunities outside the traditional promotion.Today in Miami

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has officially retired from MMA after failing to reach a deal to return at the UFC's White House card in June. Jones said negotiations were in place but he was lowballed, leading him to ask for his release. He has since shifted his focus to an ambassador role with the IBA Bareknuckle and Dirty Boxing promotions, saying 'the gloves are up' and he's now a businessman, not a fighter.

Why it matters

Jones was one of the biggest stars in UFC, holding the light heavyweight title multiple times. His retirement is a significant loss for the promotion, which had hoped to feature him on the high-profile White House card. Jones' move to bare-knuckle boxing also signals a shift in the combat sports landscape, with top MMA fighters exploring options outside the UFC.

The details

Jones retired last year while the UFC Heavyweight Champion, having refused to face Interim Champion Tom Aspinall, who was then promoted to Undisputed Champion. Ahead of the announcement for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Jones said he was in negotiations to return on the card, but Dana White later said talks were never happening and Jones was done. Jones said he was lowballed in negotiations and asked for his release, though nothing has emerged to say he has been released. Jones has since taken on an ambassador role with the IBA Bareknuckle and Dirty Boxing promotions.

  • In 2025, Jones retired as the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
  • In June 2026, Jones was expected to return at the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House, but negotiations fell through.
  • Currently, Jones is serving as an ambassador for the IBA Bareknuckle and Dirty Boxing promotions.

The players

Jon Jones

A former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion who has officially retired from MMA and is now focused on an ambassador role with bare-knuckle boxing promotions.

Dana White

The President of the UFC, who stated that negotiations for Jones to return at UFC Freedom 250 never actually happened.

Tom Aspinall

The current UFC Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, who was previously the Interim Champion before being promoted.

Alex Pereira

A fighter who was announced to be facing Ciryl Gane for the UFC Interim Heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, while Jones was not on the card.

Ciryl Gane

The fighter who was announced to be facing Alex Pereira for the UFC Interim Heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250.

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What they’re saying

“No, right now, I'm just enjoying life. We're here for these fighters. Want to see these guys do their thing and have a lot of fun... My gloves are up. I'm chilling these days. You got business Jon Jones. No more fighter Jon Jones. The businessman. You know what I'm saying?”

— Jon Jones, Former UFC Champion

“As far as I'm concerned, Jon Jones is done.”

— Dana White, UFC President

What’s next

Jones has not indicated any plans to return to MMA competition, and it remains to be seen if he will be officially released from his UFC contract. His focus appears to be on his ambassador role with the IBA Bareknuckle and Dirty Boxing promotions.

The takeaway

Jon Jones' retirement from UFC and shift to a business role in bare-knuckle boxing represents a significant changing of the guard in the combat sports world. His departure is a major loss for the UFC, but also highlights the growing appeal and opportunities available to top fighters outside the traditional MMA promotion.