Jon Jones calls missing UFC White House card one of his biggest regrets

Jon Jones has revealed that missing the UFC White House card stands as one of the biggest regrets of his combat sports career. Widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history and the consensus GOAT of the UFC light heavyweight division, Jones last competed at UFC 309, where he finished Stipe Miocic to defend the heavyweight title. Following that victory, Jones announced his retirement from MMA.

However, Jones reversed his retirement shortly afterward in an effort to secure a spot on the UFC White House event. Jones actively campaigned for the card and even attempted to apologize to UFC management for retiring after the promotion reportedly met his demands for a title unification bout. Despite his efforts, Jones was not considered for the event, which instead featured an interim heavyweight title fight involving Ciryl Gane.

Speaking in an interview with The Schmo, Jones admitted that not being part of the historic card remains a lingering frustration. "That was one of the few nights in my career where I just was thinking, 'I should have been there,'" Jones said. "I usually don’t regret decisions, but that was one of my big regrets in life."

With the opportunity gone, Jones stated that his UFC 309 title defense will almost certainly serve as his final professional bout. He reflected fondly on sharing that night with his father and his late brother, winning before the President, and defeating Miocic, whom he described as the greatest heavyweight of all time. "I really do believe that was my last moment inside the cage," Jones said.