Dana White has no immediate plans to separate UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones from his world title.
Jones hasn’t competed since defeating Dominick Reyes by decision in the main event of UFC 247. The champion and the UFC have been at odds since Jones' last title defence, but UFC president Dana White has no plans to strip Jones of the light-heavyweight crown.
“Not as of yet, no,” White told Barstool Sports (via Damon Martin of MMA Fighting).
Jones and the UFC’s recent issues arose a few months back when White asserted the Jones wanted a higher than usual sum of money to fight Francis Ngannou at heavyweight. Jones has maintained that he only wants to be paid his worth. Jones publicly asked the UFC to release him but the promotion has yet to make that move.
White does not know when Jones will fight again, but he does admit the UFC is still feeling things out with the light-heavyweight kingpin.
“You know as much as I know,” White said. “The last time he said ‘I’m not fighting,’ he’s not fighting, so we’re feeling this thing out. When it’s time for him to fight, we’ll see.”
Jones hasn’t commented much on his UFC status as of late. He has instead focused on his community efforts in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
