JON JONES has risked the wrath of UFC bigwig Dana White with his latest statement on retirement.
The Hall of Famer walked away from a career-high payday for a heavyweight title unification fight with Brit Tom Aspinall in June when he hung up his gloves.
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But his retirement lasted a matter of weeks as he re-entered the UFC‘s drug testing pool after learning of the promotion’s plans to host a card at The White House next year.
White and the rest of the UFC brass were left with egg on their faces with Jones’ short-lived retirement, which came after they met his demands to be paid “f**k you money“ to unify the heavyweight belts.
So Jones’ latest comments on setting foot in the octagon again will likely irk the veteran promoter.
Speaking at the MTV VMA awards, Jones said: “I am not retired.
“I am actively training five days a week, and I’m in the UFC’s drug-testing pool.”
Jones will be hard-pressed to convince White to let him compete on the White House card next June.
During last month’s UFC 319 post-fight press conference, White said of Jones being on the card: “Let me ask you.
“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?”
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“So I already said that 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 don’t talk to him either.
“I haven’t talked to him at all.
“If I had to make odds, it’s a billion-to-one that I put Jon Jones on the White House card.”
Jones, however, isn’t giving up hope of competing at the historic event.
I am not retired, I am actively training five days a week.”
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He said: “I’m training for the event, I’ll be ready for the event.
“That’s my goal, that’s my intention, but ultimately it’s up to the boss.”
Former pound-for-pound king Jones hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since decimating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November.
His old title will be on the line next month at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, where Aspinall, who was elevated from interim to undisputed champion, will lock horns with France‘s Ciryl Gane.
