‘I Don’t Feel Confident Saying Jon Jones Is Next’- Dana White Speaks Out on the Return of Jon Jones for Title Shot

Former UFC light-heavyweight kingpin Jon ‘Bones’ Jones has been missing from action for nearly two years now. The former champion has taken his leave from the octagon to bulk up and prepare for his heavyweight debut. However, UFC President Dana White doesn’t seem confident enough to book his return for a number of reasons.

Speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, White shed light on his thoughts about the current state of the heavyweight division and how Jones will fit into it. He clarified that it would be great to have him back, but he is not sure what the former champion wants to do next. One thing is assured that the MMA community will definitely hear from him after the conclusion of UFC 270.

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The UFC President said, “I don’t feel confident saying that Jon Jones is next and not because I think he is unreliable, it’s because I honestly don’t know what Jon Jones wants to do next. I think Jon’s going to watch this fight, and you know he’ll decide maybe he doesn’t fight at heavyweight. Maybe he goes back and tries to regain the light-heavyweight championship. I honestly don’t know the answer to that question.”

Is Dana White right about Jon Jones?

Jones has spent the last 2 years bulking up to 260 lbs and beyond to match the heavyweight limit. This long and arduous preparation has allowed him to put on more muscle mass needed to go toe-to-toe with the big boys of UFC.

White’s comments seem quite disheartening and it might trigger a response out of the former champion. The promotion is already in a tough spot, with ‘The Predator’ Francis Ngannou threatening to exit as a champion. Only Ciryl Gane’s win can prevent that.

Moreover, recent problems that Jones has found himself in have already made things a bit more difficult for the promotion. White will have to find a meaningful way to reinsert him into the pool of fighters and only then he can think about handing him a world title fight. At this point, it seems highly unlikely that he will ever get the chance to fight for the heavyweight crown.

Watch this story: Francis Ngannou’s Grueling Training Routine Ahead of his Title Defense Against Ciryl Gane

What’s your take on Dana White’s comments?