Dana White Opens Up On Ongoing Negotiations With Jon Jones For UFC Return

Published 06/14/2021, 12:09 PM EDT

Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and UFC president Dana White have had conflicts that are known to everyone. ‘Bones’ has already clarified that he won’t be fighting until a good pay deal is presented to him.

Jon has also declined UFC’s offer to him for fighting against a returning Stipe Miocic. He is adamant about going for the championship, which means going up against ‘The Predator’ Francis Ngannou. However, White has made it clear Derrick Lewis is the one getting that opportunity first.

The roadblock is doing more damage to Jones than it’s doing to UFC. Realizing the same, Jones has appointed an advisor, Richard Schaefer, for his future negotiations. It is a notable fact that Richard has a good bond with White.

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In an interview with submission radio, White briefly explained his ongoing negotiations with Jones.

“They both fine (Jones and Richards),” White said about dealing with the two. “Listen, I have a long relationship with Richard. He is a good guy, he is a smart guy.”

“Jon came out and said he doesn’t wanna fight till next year. So, there is nothing to worry about right now. Listen, when the guy wants to come back and fight, he can come back and fight.”

He further added, “Jones is under contract. It’s up to Jon whether he wants to fight or not.”

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When Dana White said he is absolutely fine with Jon Jones retiring

White has often said that Jones is the greatest UFC fighter of all time, but he also believes it won’t affect him much if the former light heavyweight champion retires today.

In an interview, White said, “He could absolutely fight again at 205 pounds. He said he wouldn’t fight Stipe (Miocic), and now Derrick (Lewis) and Francis (Ngannou) are fighting, so we’ll see how that fight plays out.

“There’s nothing wrong with going out on top either – Jon Jones is undefeated, he’s never been beat.”

He also believes Jones has never lost in his 27 octagon fights and the only loss which shows in his resume was a stolen act from the referee at that time.

“It was a time when the Nevada Athletic Commission was at its weakest, and there was a referee that shouldn’t have been in there, and he stole that fight from Jon Jones. So, it wouldn’t be a bad thing for him to go out on top,” he concluded.

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Well, Jones is still in his prime but he hasn’t competed in a while. He had moved to heavyweight from light heavyweight to pursue his dream of becoming the heavyweight champion.

It is in the best interest of either party and fans alike that they reach an agreement soon and give everyone the fight they deserve to see. Jones vs Ngannou.

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Can we see Jones fighting soon in the heavyweight division?

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Akshyay Mahapatra is a UFC author for EssentiallySports. He wished to combine his passion for the UFC (that he has been following since 2008) as well as his love for writing. This motivated him to enter the world of combat sports journalism.

Dana White Opens Up On Ongoing Negotiations With Jon Jones For UFC Return

When Dana White said he is absolutely fine with Jon Jones retiring

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