Dana White Makes a Huge Statement on Jon Jones- Will Not Get Title Shot Before Francis Ngannou

Published 12/16/2020, 10:50 PM EST

UFC President Dana White sat down with Caroline Pearce from BT Sport to talk about all things fighting. White went in on all the starfighters in the sport and did a run-down through the future opponents for UFC champions. With a difficult yet successful 2020 campaign behind him, Dana White is already looking into what 2021 holds.

Chiefly, the long-time company boss spoke about former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and what’s in store for him. Jones relinquished his gold strap back in August and the 205-pound division is being spearheaded by Jan Blachowicz. Moreover, Jones vacating the title was brought upon by a desire to finally make a move up to heavyweight.

Jones has been a light heavyweight staple ever since he was crowned the youngest UFC champion and hasn’t gone up a weight class. Unlike other champions, he’s yet to capture a second divisional belt and claim ‘champ-champ’ status. Although he’s finally looking to amend that, he is yet to be booked in a heavyweight fight.

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Dana White pulls back the curtain on Jon Jones

White revealed that he recently had a meaningful conversation with ‘Bones’ Jones, presumably about the future. Dana explained that Jones was looking to actualize his goal of capturing the coveted UFC heavyweight belt and ascending towards dual-champion status.

“I’m tryna think of how long Jon Jones has been in the UFC now, it’s 10 plus years. Jon Jones and I had the best conversation we’ve ever had about a week ago. He’s ready, he’s ready to come back. His head is in the right place and he and I are in a really good place.”

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White on Jon Jones’ future: “We’re working on it”

Additionally, Dana White also confirmed that top-ranked heavyweight Francis Ngannou wouldn’t be overlooked in favor of granting Jones a match. ‘Bones’ will have to wait his turn, as the division has been on hold for a considerable period.

“He [Jon Jones] doesn’t get to jump over Francis [Ngannou] and fight for a title. I don’t know what we’re gonna do yet or how it’s gonna play out, but we’re working on it. I think he’s excited for this challenge and um, he’s excited to cement his legacy as the greatest to ever do it.”

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‘Bones’ Jones has several fights that are extremely appealing from a match-makers perspective. Be it power striker Derrick Lewis or elite wrestler Curtis Blaydes, the division has a lot to offer should he be delayed in securing a title shot.

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

Dana White Makes a Huge Statement on Jon Jones- Will Not Get Title Shot Before Francis Ngannou

Dana White pulls back the curtain on Jon Jones

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White on Jon Jones’ future: “We’re working on it”