Richard Schaefer, the advisor to JON JONES, will meet with UFC brass this weekend in order to discuss the MMA legend’s return to the octagon.
The ex-long-reigning light heavyweight champion has not been in the octagon for nearly TWO year, his last appearance being a heated title defense against Dominick Reyes.
Jon Jones, former UFC light-heavyweight champion, has not fought in almost two years
Jones' absence from the cage was due in large part to a contractual dispute that Jones had with the UFC. Schaefer hopes Schaefer will resolve this in the next few days.
SunSport spoke with the former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions: "He is ready, willing and able fight any opponent we can get for our heavyweight title."
"The reason I don't use Francis Ngannou is because I would love to put together an Francis Ngannou fight, and I'm in discussions with the UFC.
"And as a matter fact, I'm going be meeting with them this Saturday here in Los Angeles."
Jones, 33, had been aiming for a blockbuster fight with Ngannou, heavyweight king, before he decided to end 2021, which he continued gaining size.
Ngannou's contractual problems with the UFC and his potential nine-month stint on the sidelines following his upcoming knee surgery have cast doubt on the bout.
Schaefer stated that Francis Ngannou is having some problems. One is contractual. How will that play out?
"We have seen a lack in communication between Team Ngannou, the UFC and us.
"Talks have almost come to an end and legal letters were exchanged.
"But then, he has, as i understand, the need to have an operation due to his torn ligaments.
"I don’t know what he has so I don’t know if he’s available."
Jones is determined to make his long-awaited return in action, regardless of Ngannou's availability.
Schaefer said, "But we want fight. Jon is keen to fight, and Jon would like to challenge for the title of heavyweight champion. Jon is a fighter who will fight anyone.
"So, I'm going see if that can be put together. Jon Jones, however, is, as I mentioned, the Floyd Mayweather in the UFC.
He's a legend, unbeaten and in a league all his own.
Despite Ngannou's continued problems, UFC President Dana White wants to create a money-spinning fight between Jones and the vicious knockout artist.
During an ESPN+ fan Q&A the veteran promoter said to Laura Sanko, "I don’t know."
"I hope that this will be one the biggest fights of the year. We can definitely pull it off if we do.
Jones, a former pound-for-pound king, was keen to observe Ngannou's title defense against Ciryl Gane this month. The Predator won unanimously.
The UFC Hall-of-Famer was impressed with the performances of the two fighters, and made it known via Twitter about half-way through the fight.
Schaefer says Bones believes that he would win over both men.
He stated that he thought it was funny. Some media men texted me before the fight, and I said that Jon Jones would defeat Ciryl Gane or Francis Ngannou.
"And I texted Jon back and forth after the fight, and he said, "Yeah I beat both [guys]!"
"There is no doubt about it, I beat both men."
Jones made a huge step toward his return to the octagon when he agreed to a plea agreement in a Nevada domestic battery case.
Fan favourite was originally charged with misdemeanour domestic Battery and felony vehicle tampering.
Jones was released from the domestic battery charge and pled nolo contendere for 'destroying property of another'.
Court records show that Jones was given an order to pay PS562 as restitution for his victim. He was also instructed to receive anger management counselling and to stay out trouble.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
