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Jon Jones requests UFC contract release after White House fight card snub

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Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones ended his retirement from UFC simply because he wanted a spot on the “Freedom 250” fight card at the White House in June. 

But, when UFC CEO Dana White announced the card during UFC 326 this past weekend, Jones wasn’t among the fighters. As a result, he has requested a release from his UFC contract. 

White was candid when asked about Jones following the UFC 326 card. 

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Jon Jones reacts during fight

Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16, 2024 in New York City.  ((Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images))

“Never, ever, ever, which I told you guys a hundred thousands times, was Jon Jones ever even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House,” White explained, per CBS Sports. “Some guy with Meta Glasses filmed him talking about his hips – that his hips are so bad. And I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, doctors say he should have a hip replacement.”

White added that “the Jon Jones thing is bulls—,” saying that he texted the fighter’s lawyer saying he would never be on the White House card despite Jones saying he was in negotiations for it. 

UFC ANNOUNCES CARD FOR WHITE HOUSE EVENT

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The Meta Glasses incident White is referring to came from a viral video, where Jones, unaware he was being filmed, discussed issues with his hips to a fan. 

On Monday, Jones composed a thorough response to White’s comments about him and the White House Card. He previously posted and deleted social media explanations, but Monday’s appeared to be his final statement on the matter. 

Dana White talks to reporters

UFC President Dana White speaks after UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center on Feb. 21, 2026.  (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)

“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” Jones, who retired a heavyweight champion in 2025, said. “So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready. 

“I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.”

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Jones finished his statement by saying he “respectfully” asks to be released from his UFC contract.

Jon Jones enters the ring

Jon Jones enters the ring before facing Stipe Miocic in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City, New York. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

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“No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up,” he wrote. 

The UFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.

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Jones is considered one of the best UFC fighters of all time, owning a 28-1-1 record, which includes his last bout with Stipe Miocic, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title belt. He is also a two-time light heavyweight champion. 

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Kai Rooney and Man United team-mates respond to new deal announcement for starlet

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The Manchester United youngster was among several to send their messages of support after a new deal was announced for Jaydan Kamason

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Kai Rooney was among the Manchester United starlets to send their messages of support to youngster Jaydan Kamason after he signed a new contract until the summer of 2028, with the option of a further year. Last season, the full-back was part of a strong Under-18 squad and was included on the bench under Ruben Amorim in both the home and away matches of the Europa League quarter-final and semi-final.

The 19-year-old has missed parts of the current campaign through injury, but has still managed 15 appearances for the Under-21s. United signed Kamason from grassroots outfit Stockport Vikings for the Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) aged 10 and became the first player from that scheme to put pen to paper on a professional deal with the club.

After signing a new deal, Kamson took to social media and said: “Proud moment for me and family to sign a new long-term contract at this special club. We thank God and keep pushing. More to come, just a matter of timing.”

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Several Manchester United youth stars were quick to off their support, with Kai Rooney attaching a video of a man applauding.

Jack Fletcher responded with a fire emoji, while his brother Tyler Fletcher sent a red loveheart emoji. Fellow United prospect Chido Obi commented with a laughing and flames emoji.

Jacob Devaney and Habeeb Ogunneye both commented: “Congrats bro [loveheart emoji].”

Fomer Man United youngster Joe Hugill commented: “Nice u [applauding emoji].”

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U21s head coach Adam Lawrence heaped praise on Kamason after his goal against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup last season. He said: “Jaydan has been in real good form of late, so he’s in that position where he’s put in some real strong and consistent performances, as you’d expect from a second year U18 player here.

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“He’s in a real good space. He’s such a fantastic kid, he’s got real good athleticism and he likes to get forward on the outside. And listen, he’ll be watching that goal back for a while.

“He’s always been a full-back that has liked to get forward and he can wear people down, he’s wiry, he’s very athletic and can get on top of people and really impact the game in the final third.

“We’re really excited about him and think that he has real big potential, but he’s a humble kid and he’ll know he needs to get better and that he’s got things to work on.”

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“I was really hurt” – Stefanos Tsitsipas extends drama with ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic after brutal criticism

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Stefanos Tsitsipas recently reacted to the brutal criticism that has been meted out to him by his ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic. Responding to the Croatian, the World No.49 stated that he had been ‘really hurt’ by his comments.

Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic began working together in May 2025, after the Greek star fired his father. However, their partnership was short lived and they parted ways only two months later after a series of uninspiring results. After their split, Ivanisevic publicly criticised Tsitsipas, telling SportKlub

“He has to find a solution for his back issue. I was shocked. I’ve never seen such a poorly prepared player in my life. Me, at my age and with this bad knee, I’m three times in better shape than him.”

More recently, Ivanisevic doubled down on his criticisms about Stefanos Tsitsipas. Reacting to the Croatian’s harsh words, the former World No.3 told The Times,

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“If it was a way of him pushing me into working harder and getting my s— together, it was definitely not the right tactic. I was really hurt. I never expected that a coach could do that to me, and the worst thing is what he said was not true. I was not fit because I had been injured. I hadn’t been practising properly for over two weeks. It was like he kicked me when I was already down.”

Since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas has paired up with his father Apostolos once again.

Stefanos Tsitsipas set to begin Monte-Carlo Masters campaign against Francisco Cerundolo

Tsitsipas at the <a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/miami-open-wta' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Miami Open</a> (Image Source: Getty)Tsitsipas at the <a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/miami-open-wta' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Miami Open</a> (Image Source: Getty)
Tsitsipas at the Miami Open (Image Source: Getty)

Stefanos Tsitsipas spent the latter half of his 2025 season on the bench as he struggled with a back injury. The Greek star returned to action earlier this year with the Adelaide International, but he has failed to string together consistent wins.

His best result this season has been a quarterfinals finish he accomplished at the Qatar Open. Except for that impressive outing in Doha and a round of 32 appearance at the Miami Open, the 27-year-old has failed to move past the second round in any tournament, including the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Now, Stefanos Tsitsipas is scheduled to kick off his clay season at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The event takes place between April 5 and April 13 at the Monte-Carlo Country Club and promises some exciting tennis action. Tsitsipas will begin his campaign at the ATP 1000 event against 16th seed Francisco Cerundolo.