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Jon Jones’ White House dreams may not be dead after all.
Last year, after prolonged negotiations with the UFC over fighting interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, Jones decided instead to retire from MMA. Shortly afterward, President Donald Trump announced that a UFC event would take place on the White House lawn, leading Jones to immediately un-retire and campaign for a spot at the event. Unfortunately for Jones, that hasn’t gone as well as he might have hoped.
UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly insisted he cannot rely on Jones for an event of this magnitude. Furthermore, the UFC seemed less interested in booking Jones vs. Alex Pereira, a bout both men campaigned for. And to make matters worse, Jones apparently has severe arthritis in his hip, which seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for Jones’ dream.
But not yet.
On Saturday evening, Jones took part in a meet and greet at The Brook Casino in New Hampshire, where he addressed his MMA future with fans (h/t Championship Rounds).
“I’m in negotiations with the UFC about this White House thing, as well. I’m a very, very, very proud American, and I cannot wait to represent one more time. So, we’ll see what happens.”
Jones’ statement comes on the heels of the UFC announcing on Friday that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is vacating his title, but not declaring what is next for “Poatan.” Rumors immediately swirled that Pereira would be moving up to fight for the heavyweight title, but it’s possible that the Jones-Pereira fight that both men have campaigned for may not be dead in the water yet.