White's hesitance stems from Jones' long history of transgressions, one of which ruined the milestone UFC 200 that was supposed to be headlined by Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. Jones was flagged for an anti-doping violation during fight week, and the bout was canceled.

Dana White has shut down speculation that Jon Jones could headline a UFC card at the White House. Speaking at the UFC 318 post‑fight press conference, the UFC president made it clear that while Jones remains one of the greatest talents in the sport, he is not prepared to take the gamble of placing him in such a monumental event.