Overview
- A leaked backstage video from DBX 5 captured Jones saying his left hip has severe arthritis and that he already qualifies for a hip replacement, which he later confirmed to TMZ.
- Jones declined a proposed Real American Freestyle wrestling trilogy with Daniel Cormier, citing the hip condition and a desire to preserve mobility for his young son.
- He reiterated that he is training and still wants a final fight at the White House event, saying any comeback would need to be "something special" beyond a big payday.
- UFC CEO Dana White has been reluctant to book Jones for the White House card due to past reliability concerns, and the new medical disclosure further clouds his candidacy.
- Matchmaking for the June 14 card is expected to be finalized by mid to late February, creating an immediate decision point on whether Jones will be included.