UFC Freedom Fights 250: Notable Absences at the White House Event
The anticipated UFC Freedom Fights 250 event, to be held at the White House, revealed its card, but with some significant absences that surprised fans. Two prominent names who were expected to compete in this event were not included: Jon Jones and Conor McGregor. McGregor had expressed his desire to face Michael Chandler, while Jones aspired to fight against the two-division champion, Alex Pereira. Although Chandler and Pereira will be present at the event, they will do so against different opponents. Chandler will face Mauricio Ruffy, and Pereira will compete for the interim heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. The UFC CEO, Dana White, addressed the situation of both fighters after UFC 326. Although White had previously ruled out the possibility of Jones participating in the event, the former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion had hinted last week that he was in negotiations to fight at the White House. White was emphatic about it.White even stated that Jones was still retired and that there was no prospect of him fighting at the White House or any other UFC event in the future. Regarding McGregor, White didn’t completely close the door on his return. He indicated that there are ongoing conversations with the Irish star for him to return to the octagon, although the participation in the White House did not materialize. When asked about a possible timeframe for McGregor’s return, White replied that they “weren’t even close” to setting a date for his competition. McGregor hasn’t fought in over five years, while Jones last competed against Stipe Miocic in November 2024.“The Jon Jones thing is nonsense. I’m not saying they weren’t talking to Jon Jones and that Jon Jones wasn’t interested in the fight. What was even crazier was that Jon Jones came out and said, ‘I’m in negotiations right now for the White House card,’ after he had already texted his lawyer saying, ‘It will never happen.’”
Dana White
