The White House card has only recently been announced, and Jon Jones has already turned it into his own campaign trail. ‘Bones’ is making a major push for the Alex Pereira fight, cutting promos, hinting at drug-testing pool entries, and making it obvious he wants to headline the UFC’s biggest show ever. But before any posters get printed, Dana White has been busy reminding everyone why he isn’t ready to entrust Jones with something so important.

Despite the enthusiasm around the announcement, White’s tone remains the same. Jones may desire the attention, but the UFC CEO does not want to take a chance on a fighter who he believes will change his mind overnight. And this week, he expressed the dilemma in a way he rarely does: by pointing to the one fighter he does trust.

Jon Jones vs. the reliability standard set by Conor McGregor

The UFC head honcho didn’t dance around the issue. During his recent appearance on Andrew Schulz‘s podcast, Dana White was asked about Jon Jones being a part of the White House card. And while many expected the CEO to simply ignore the question, White instantly mentioned the failed Aspinall deal, which he claims damaged his confidence on ‘Bones.’

“I had a deal with him. We had a deal to fight Tom Aspinall,” White said. “Then he said, ‘You know what, I’m not going to do it.’ I can’t be in that position.” That’s when Conor McGregor joins the conversation. Dana White did not compare their resumes; instead, he compared their reliability.

The UFC head honcho explained, “People talk s— about McGregor, but when you walk in three days out and tell him his opponent fell out, he goes, ‘Alright, I’m going to the gym.’” He further told Andrew Shulz on the Flagrant podcast, “He doesn’t give a s—. He doesn’t want input. He doesn’t get 30 people on the phone. Just tell him who he’s fighting.”

That, according to White, is the biggest difference. Jon Jones wants the biggest stage the UFC has ever put together, but he sees Conor McGregor as the man who turns up no matter what. And for an event attached to the White House, that standard matters more than the matchup itself—even if it means denying ‘Bones’ the fight he so badly wants.

Meanwhile, Jones continues to promote himself publicly, claiming he is ready to return and has unfinished business at heavyweight. He wants Alex Pereira, the spectacle, and the redemption storyline. But in the end, the decision will not be made until Dana White believes he can rely on him in the same way as he does on McGregor. However, there has been a positive update for ‘Bones,’ as the UFC CEO did accept his apology.

Dana White accepts Jon Jones’ apology

Jon Jones’ apology did not instantly solve everything, but it helped reduce the tension between them. Dana White stated that he heard it, appreciated it, and, most importantly, did not hold it against him. The UFC CEO said there was nothing to forgive in the first place. Despite the drama, retirements, un-retirements, and broken negotiations, White continues to call him the greatest fighter of all time.

That alone is enough to give Jones optimism. If the head honcho can look past years of headaches and openly appreciate him, he has already made a significant step toward the White House. White even reminded everyone that, despite their history, respect has never wavered. “Jon Jones is the greatest of all time…period,” he continued, challenging anyone to disagree.

It is not a green light but rather a door that is no longer closed. And that’s all Jones needs. If he continues to campaign for the Alex Pereira bout and maintains his more humble approach, the 2026 event no longer appears to be as unlikely as it did a few months ago. So, do you think we will get to see ‘Bones’ make a return at the White House? Let us know in the comments.