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Former UFC Champ Jones Reveals Severe Arthritis, Willing to Fight at White House
Despite needing a hip replacement, Jon Jones says he'd take one last fight if it's at the White House.
Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:47am
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Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones has revealed that he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip, to the point of already qualifying for a hip replacement. However, Jones says he'd be willing to fight one last time if the bout takes place at the White House, despite his debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Jones' revelation about his health issues raises questions about the long-term toll of his storied MMA career and whether he should continue competing at the highest level. It also highlights the lengths some elite fighters will go to secure a high-profile final fight, even if it means risking further injury.
The details
In a conversation with UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley that went viral, Jones disclosed that his left hip is "covered in arthritis" and that he has already qualified for a hip replacement. Jones said the pain was so severe during his last training camp that he "went to bed in so much pain." However, the former champion stated that he'd be willing to fight one more time if the bout took place at the White House, despite his medical issues.
- Jones revealed his arthritis diagnosis in a video conversation with Joaquin Buckley on February 3, 2026.
The players
Jon Jones
A former two-division UFC champion who has revealed he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip, to the point of qualifying for a hip replacement.
Joaquin Buckley
A UFC welterweight who was part of the viral video conversation where Jones disclosed his health issues.
What they’re saying
“Bro, I have severe arthritis. And most people don't know that. My left hip is covered in arthritis. I actually already qualified for a hip replacement. [During] my last training camp, I went to bed in so much pain.”
— Jon Jones, Former UFC Champion
“If you're wondering if it's true, it is. I'm grateful for all my battle scars, and if I could do it all over again, I absolutely would without hesitation. The UFC knows the extent of my arthritis. They also know that if I were to put it all on the line one last time and endure that level of pain, the reward would have to be something more than a fat payday. For me, that was and is still the White House.”
— Jon Jones, Former UFC Champion
What’s next
It's unclear if the UFC will grant Jones' request to fight at the White House, given his severe health issues. The promotion will likely need to carefully evaluate the risks and potential consequences of allowing Jones to compete in his current condition.
The takeaway
Jon Jones' revelation about his debilitating arthritis underscores the immense physical toll that a career in combat sports can take, even on elite-level athletes. While Jones' willingness to fight one last time at the White House is admirable, it also raises concerns about whether he should continue competing given his medical issues.
