Daniel Cormier is not the only prominent figure from Jon Jones’ UFC career to disagree with Dana White’s stance on his return.
It did not take long after White announced Jones’ controversial retirement for the leading GOAT contender to reverse course and stake his claim for a spot on a high-profile card in 2026.
Soon after ‘Bones’ dropped the heavyweight title and hung up the gloves, Donald Trump announced plans for UFC White House, an event to take place on the venue’s lawn to celebrate 250 years of American independence.
A host of big names quickly announced their desire to compete at the White House, with Jones and Conor McGregor being among the most vocal. The UFC president, though, trusts only one of those men to headline such an occasion.
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Rashad Evans sees the value of having Jon Jones fight at the White House
White firmly rejected Jones’ UFC White House request, branding him too unreliable for an event that will no doubt have the eyes of the nation on it.
Although the UFC president’s stance was widely described as understandable given the former champion’s history, not everyone agrees. Daniel Cormier surprisingly leapt to Jones’ defense, insisting that his arch-rival should be on the card.
And ‘DC’ is not the only rival from the Rochester native’s legendary career who shares that sentiment. Jones’ former friend, Rashad Evans, also believes the light heavyweight legend is the right choice for the White House show.
“I mean, having Jon Jones on the card, you want to be able to have an American on there who is gonna be able to go out there with a big name and win the fight,” Evans said on The Bohnfire.
“In America right now, we don’t have any champions right now out there that is gonna be a for sure lock like Jon Jones. So, I mean, it would be good to have him out there.
“And here’s the thing: Jon Jones, he’s the man,” Evans continued. “You’ve gotta be able to see Jon Jones and understand you’re gonna get the viewership if you put him on the card.”
But Evans does not want to see White and the UFC give in too easily.
“You’ve gotta make him beg a little bit,” he said. “You’ve gotta make him beg so that way you know he’s buying all the way in.
“Make him plead his case, and that way you get him to totally buy in. So that way there’s gonna be none of those antics and you know he’s gonna be showing up to practice, showing up to try to make sure he’s the best he can be for that fight.”
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Jon Jones is set to be involved in MMA with or without a UFC comeback
If White remains steadfast on his refusal to accommodate Jones on the White House card, the former heavyweight and light heavyweight king looks likely to remain part of the sport through a different role.
Gable Steveson will headline Dirty Boxing 4 on October 30. The Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling will briefly turn his attention away from the cage after recently making a successful MMA debut under the LFA banner.
The Dirty Boxing promotion is co-owned by Jones, who is also a teammate of Steveson’s. ‘Bones’ has long touted the wrestling specialist for big things in his sport, and it seems Jones plans to coach Steveson all the way to UFC gold.
“It’s not a matter of if he can, it’s a matter of when,” Jones wrote on X when asked if Steveson could become a UFC champion.
“I’ve had many great teammates over the years, but I’ve always said if I would ever be a coach it would have to be a wrestler who was completely committed to success.
“I found my guy and I’m excited to add world championship coach to my resume,” Jones added.