UFC Legends Jones and McGregor Left Off White House Card

Dana White says Jones was "never ever" considered for the event, while McGregor's return remains in talks.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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UFC legends Jon Jones and Conor McGregor were both left off the promotion's planned card at the White House, dubbed "UFC Freedom Fights 250". UFC CEO Dana White addressed the absence of the two fighters, stating that Jones was "never ever" in consideration for the event due to health issues, while conversations are ongoing with McGregor about a potential return to the Octagon, though a timeline has not been determined.

Why it matters

The exclusion of two of the UFC's biggest stars from this high-profile event at the White House is notable, as both Jones and McGregor had expressed interest in competing on the card. Their absence raises questions about the UFC's plans for its top talent and the status of their respective returns to the sport.

The details

White said the "Jon Jones thing is bullsh--" and that he had already told Jones' lawyer that he would "never, ever, ever" be on the White House card, citing Jones' health issues including arthritis in his hips. As for McGregor, White said the UFC is "definitely talking to Conor" about a return, but they are "not even close" to pinning down an event for him to compete at. McGregor hasn't fought in over five years, while Jones last competed in November 2024.

  • Jones last fought against Stipe Miocic in November 2024.
  • McGregor hasn't fought in over five years.

The players

Jon Jones

A former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who was left off the White House card due to health issues.

Conor McGregor

A UFC star who has been in talks with the promotion about a potential return to the Octagon, though a timeline has not been determined.

Dana White

The UFC CEO who addressed the absence of Jones and McGregor from the White House card.

Alex Pereira

The two-division UFC champion who is set to compete in an interim heavyweight title fight on the White House card.

Mauricio Ruffy

The fighter who will face Michael Chandler on the White House card.

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What they’re saying

“Never, ever, ever -- which I told you guys 100,000 times -- was Jon Jones ever even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House. He's got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, he's had doctors say that he needs a hip replacement.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO (ESPN)

“We are definitely talking to Conor.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO (ESPN)

What’s next

The UFC will continue discussions with Conor McGregor about a potential return to the Octagon, though a timeline has not been determined. The promotion's planned "UFC Freedom Fights 250" event at the White House will proceed without the participation of Jon Jones and McGregor.

The takeaway

The exclusion of high-profile fighters like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor from the UFC's White House event highlights the promotion's selective approach to its top talent and the ongoing uncertainty around the returns of some of its biggest stars.