Jon Jones dream of fighting at UFC White House has not been fully squandered, according to the former two-division UFC champion.
After UFC CEO Dana White repeatedly dismissed the idea of Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) competing at the June 14 event in Washington due to trust issues stemming from his long line of transgressions, it appears the narrative may now turn back toward the favor of “Bones.”
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During a speaking engagement on Saturday at “The Brook,” Jones revealed he is currently speaking with the brass about confirming a fight on the historic card this summer.
“I’m in negotiations with the UFC about this White House (fight) as well,” Jones said with a smile on his face (HT: Championship Rounds). “I’m a very proud American, and I cannot wait to represent one more time.”
Jones has competed just twice in the past six years. He controversially defended the 205-pound belt against Dominick Reyes on Feb. 8, 2020, then took a more than three-year hiatus before moving up to heavyweight to submit Ciryl Gane for the vacant belt. It took him 20 months to get back and defend against Miocic, and he’s now been on the shelf for nearly 15 months since then.
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The comments come as a shift from Jones’ most recent claims, where he said he was seriously considering retirement due to his deteriorating health and concern about long-term brain trauma.
It appears Jones will be willing to risk his legacy and physical wellbeing one more time, though, if the opportunity comes together.
Additionally, Jones’ statement arises in the wake of Alex Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) vacating the UFC light heavyweight championship, clearing the way for a potential showdown between the two fighting icons.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jon Jones ‘in negotiations’ with UFC about White House fight
