Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones may be coming out of retirement after President Donald Trump floated the idea of hosting a UFC fight on the White House grounds during America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. The potential event has already sparked serious interest from Jones, who immediately contacted UFC officials following Trump’s announcement.
Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 4, President Trump revealed plans with UFC President Dana White to stage a bout at the White House. “We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House,” Trump told the crowd.
The announcement had an immediate impact. Just hours later, Jones took to X and hinted at a return, saying, “Donald (Trump) made his announcement on the morning of the Fourth of July. I called the UFC headquarters that very same afternoon. I’ll just leave it at that. America! Now that tickles my pickle.”
Jones, one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, retired after a brief return in 2023. Now, with the White House potentially turning into a historic fight venue, he has reportedly re-entered the UFC drug testing pool, a necessary step for any return to the Octagon.
The proposed White House UFC event would be the first of its kind, combining Trump’s love for patriotic spectacle with his long-standing relationship with Dana White and the UFC. Trump has repeatedly praised UFC fighters, hosted them during his presidency, and attended multiple pay-per-view events since leaving office.
While the match card remains speculative, Jones’ eagerness signals that the event could draw high-profile fighters and global attention. If confirmed, the bout would not only be unprecedented but could become a centerpiece of the 250th Independence Day celebrations.
