Dana White Says Jon Jones is “Ready to Come Back”

It remains to be seen when and who Jon Jones fights next. But, following a year that saw Jones feud with the UFC and also vacate the light heavyweight title, Dana White says “Bones” is ready to fight.

White says he and Jones are in a “really good place”

If you’ve followed Jones and White over the years, you know that the two haven’t always had the best relationship.

For example, White blasted Jones for not agreeing to fight Chael Sonnen on just days notice back in 2012, and tensions grew as a result. In the proceeding years, Jones has had various run-ins with the law, which also didn’t sit well with UFC officials.

Earlier this year, Jones scrutinized how the UFC compensates fighters, after the promotion didn’t agree to pay him more for a showdown with Francis Ngannou. At one point, Jones threatened to sit out for an extended period of time.

Well, as 2020 comes to a close, however, it sounds like all is well between Jones and the UFC. While speaking to BT Sport recently, White said this about a call he had with ‘Bones’ (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Jon Jones and I had the best conversation we’ve ever had about a week ago, and he’s ready,” White said. “He’s ready to come back. His head’s in the right place, and he and I are in a really good place.”

But for what fight?

It’s interesting to hear that Jones and White had a good talk and that the renowned fighter is apparently keen to compete. But, in what bout?

As you surely know, Jones vacated the light heavyweight title a while back to pursue a run at heavyweight. He’s also, however, continued to feud with middleweight champ, Israel Adesanya.

While talking about a much-discussed fight between the stars, White said this.

“That’s the fight I would love to see,” White said. “Somebody asked me yesterday if you could make one fight in 2021 – that’s the fight that I picked.”

White also reportedly confirmed that Francis Ngannou is next for heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic, and that the UFC still hopes to have Adesanya face new 205 champ, Jan Blachowicz next.

If that happens, one can safely assume we won’t see Jones fighting anytime soon. 

More recently it’s been revealed that Jones is up to around 240 pounds. That makes a return to light heavyweight for his next fight seem kind of unlikely. 

But you never know right? Or, would the UFC really be on board with Adesanya moving up two weight classes to fight Jones?

The middleweight champ has said he’s down to face Jones even at heavyweight.