UFC president Dana White would rather Jones enjoy the splendid violence of Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane from the comfort of his home. Jones, the now former light heavyweight champion, has teased his move up to heavyweight for nearly two years with many expecting him to take on the winner of the main event of UFC 270 next.
While that still may be possible, White said Jones is better off watching this Saturday's pay-per-view from a distance instead of being cageside and possibly facing off with the winner after the bout.
"It'd be great for Jon to be here, but I think Jon would probably be better off at home," White told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "Jon should watch this one at home."
Ngannou and Gane have both expressed interest in fighting Jones after UFC 270. However, White was not ready to commit to Jones being next for the winner.
"I don't feel confident saying that Jon Jones is next,". "Not because I think he's unreliable, it's because I honestly don't know what Jon Jones wants to do next. I think Jon's going to watch this fight, and he'll decide. Maybe he doesn't fight at heavyweight. Maybe he goes back and tries to regain the light heavyweight championship.
"I honestly don't know the answer to that question. After everything plays out on Saturday -- there's just so much going into this fight -- it's all part of the drama, though. It's what makes this weekend so fun."
