Overview
- Dana White, speaking at Saturday’s UFC London press conference, repeated that Jon Jones was never going to fight on the June 14 Freedom 250 card at the White House.
- Jon Jones says he negotiated to face Alex Pereira and that the UFC would not go over $15 million, figures that cannot be verified because the promotion does not disclose fighter pay, and he has asked for his release if he is not returning.
- Ariel Helwani said other UFC officials negotiated with Jones’ camp, which conflicts with White’s public denial that Jones was ever in the mix.
- The confirmed lineup features Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title and Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight belt, with Jones absent from the card.
- High-profile voices including Joe Rogan and Francis Ngannou backed Jones’ pay stance, and Jones also announced an ambassador role with IBA Bare Knuckle for a March 28 event in St. Petersburg, signaling he is exploring work outside the UFC while the dispute continues.