Jon Jones was back in the headlines for UFC 329.
“Bones” didn’t compete at the event, of course, but he helped corner his protege Gable Steveson to a successful UFC debut (watch here). Jones admitted the being a part of the atmosphere of a huge event made him miss fighting, and it wasn’t all that long ago Jones was campaigning to be part of the UFC White House. Unfortunately, those negotiations stalled out, producing some more bad blood between Jones and UFC CEO Dana White in the process.
The whole
controversy left Jones’ exact position in the promotion unclear. Is Jones retired? Will he try to pursue freedom in another promotion? Fortunately, Jones recently provided some clarity while discussing a possible UFC comeback.
“When it comes to me actually fighting anyone, I keep the door open,” Jones told Ring Magazine. “I’m in the UFC’s drug testing pool. I get drug tested, blood tested all the time. If I get that calling from maybe the higher powers, then I’m gonna have to answer that call. Right now, I feel like I’m in the right place, which is serving someone else.”
He continued, “As long as I’m in the drug testing pool, the UFC are contractually obligated to offer me a few fights a year. I haven’t heard anything from them in a while. Right now, my main focus is being a good dad, a good family man. When I get offered a fight, that’s gonna be great. We’ll see how I feel when that time comes.”
Jones also confirmed that UFC CEO Dana White remains a “homie for life” despite their differences. All told, this is the most optimistic and interested Jones has sounded in a UFC return since the White House negotiations imploded, so perhaps things are looking up for “Bones,” who turns 39 on Sunday.
Rumor has it Alex Pereira wants a Heavyweight dance partner around Novemeber …
