Joe Rogan has revealed the blockbuster UFC fight he wanted to see headline the White House card.
UFC have loaded its White House card, stacking the bill with two huge championship fights, including Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title.
Pereira has moved up in weight as he aims to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different weight divisions.
But Pereira vs. Gane wasn't the original plan as Dana White's team, including UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, held talks with Jones over topping UFC Freedom 250.
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White opted against putting Jones on the card to the frustration of the MMA legend, who made his feelings very clear on social media.
Rogan was hoping for Jones vs. Pereira amid discussions and claims he doesn't know why it didn't come to fruition.
"I was hoping for that," he said of the UFC and Jones striking a deal on his podcast.
"I don’t know why that didn’t happen. I don’t know.
"I mean there’s Jon’s version, there’s the UFC’s version. I don’t know what was the stumbling block there."
The spat between White and Jones has played out in public, but Rogan doesn't believe their relationship is strained.
"I don’t think it’s that bad," he said.
"They certainly could make a deal. I don’t think it’s as bad as say, Francis Ngannou.
"Dana does not like him at all and won’t do any business with him, period."
What's next for Jon Jones?
Jones hasn't fought since November 2024 when he beat Stipe Miocic to defend his UFC heavyweight title.
He was set to face Tom Aspinall, who was the interim champion at the time, until talks broke down.
'Bones' backed away from negotiations, angering White - with Aspinall being promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.
He had hoped to return to competition with a spot on UFC Freedom 250.
But the 38-year-old was overlooked, prompting him to ask for his UFC release.
Considering his star power and the current landscape of MMA, don't expect the UFC to cut Jones.
Most Valuable Promotions, who are staging Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, could offer Jones a fight against Ngannou, having signed him to a deal to compete on their stacked May 16 card.
Nasir Jabbar