DANA WHITE has all but ruled out the prospect of Jon Jones headlining the UFC’s White House card next year.
The former light-heavy and heavyweight champion ended his retirement after just TWO WEEKS in July after learning of the promotion’s plans to stage a fight card at Donald Trump‘s residence.
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White was initially open to having ‘Bones’ top the bill, but has since performed a public U-turn.
The veteran promoter claimed he couldn’t “trust” Jones enough to give him the honour of headlining the historic card after he pulled the plug on fighting Brit Tom Aspinall.
And he brutally doubled down on his claim during the UFC 319 post-fight press conference on Sunday morning.
He asked a reporter: “What do you think Jon would do in the next couple of months that would make me trust putting him on the White House card?”
“I already said I don’t trust him, and you’re asking me, ‘What could he do for me to trust him in the next three months?’
“You don’t trust him!
“I haven’t talked to him at all. I would not bet on it.
“If I have to make odds, it’s a BILLION TO ONE [that] I put Jon Jones on the White House card.”
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Jones, 38, was set to unify the heavyweight belts against interim titleholder Aspinall in a historic showdown at Madison Square Garden in November.
But despite the UFC brass meeting his demands to be paid “f**k you money“, he opted NOT to go through with the fight.
The former pound-for-pound king insisted a bout with Wigan warrior Aspinall did nothing for his legacy.
But he believes a fight at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will add to it.
He said: “In a recent interview, I shared that the opportunity to fight at the White House gave me something deeper to fight for, a ‘why’ that goes beyond paychecks or belts.
If I have to make odds, it’s a billion to one I put Jon Jones on the White House card.”
Dana White on Jon Jones fighting at the White House
“Fighting for my country gives me a greater purpose!
“The silver lining in all this is knowing the fans see my heart.
“They see, I am ready and willing to take on anyone, to represent my country on a historic stage.
“For me, it’s never been just about the opponent. I’m chasing legacy, something timeless, something bigger than the moment.
“So for now, I’ll keep grinding, stay patient, and stay faithful. I’m ready to fight on July 4th.”
