Jon Jones claims he’s ‘not retired’ and is training ahead of potential UFC return

Jon Jones appears adamant he will fight on the UFC’s White House card next July.

Jones retired from MMA earlier this year, but after the promotion announced the White House event, he has teased a potential return. Yet, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that Jones won’t be on the card and is retired.

However, speaking at the VMAs on Sunday, Jon Jones claims he isn’t retired and is back training for a comeback.

https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/1964868494262190505

“I am not retired. I’m actively training five days a week and I’m in the UFC’s drug testing pool,” Jones said on the VMA red carpet.

When asked about him potentially fighting at the White House card, Jon Jones admits he isn’t sure what the future holds. But, he is hopeful he will be on the card.

“I don’t really know (about the White House card), it’s kind of out of my control right now. I’m training for the event, I’ll be ready for the event. That’s my goal. But ultimately, it’s up to the boss.”

Jon Jones last fought in November at UFC 309 when he scored a TKO win over Stipe Miocic to defend his heavyweight title. White confirmed Jones’ retirement in June.

Dana White shoots down Jon Jones fighting on White House card

Although Jon Jones says he isn’t retired and is looking to fight on the White House card, Dana White doesn’t seem so sure.

White has made it clear that Jones is retired and won’t be on the White House card despite his requests.

“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?” White said after UFC 319. “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.”

It was a bold comment from White. But Jon Jones has remained adamant that he will be on the card in his return to the sport.