Dana White has doubled down on his proposal for a heavyweight super-fight between UFC champion Jon Jones and Tyson Fury.
The UFC president recently admitted he was open to making a bout between ‘Bones’ and Fury as the WBC champion searches for his next opponent. Fury has his eyes set on a fight in September but has seen negotiations for an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk fall through, leading his team to restart talks with Anthony Joshua’s team.
Fury was previously open to facing former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in the ring and fuelled speculation over a potential bout with Jones by responding to the idea on social media. White pointed to the fact that he orchestrated the crossover fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather and has welcomed Fury to test himself in the octagon.
READ: Frank Warren makes 'desperate' claim in Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight update
“All of these boxing guys want to keep talking about this and keep it in the ring. I’m telling Tyson Fury, who I respect very much, if you really want to find out who the baddest man on the planet is, I will make that fight,” White said during the UFC’s post-fight press conference at the weekend.
“ I will make Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury in the octagon, and we’ll figure out (payment) — we figured out how to pay Floyd (Mayweather). We’ll figure out how to pay you, too Tyson.”
The UFC president believes the fight would end a mythical debate over the true heavyweight world champion across the two sports. However, despite making the concessions that allowed McGregor to step into the ring, White insisted that Fury would have to fight Jones on the UFC’s terms.
“The offer is out there, if you want to do it in the UFC — and I know he was messing around a little with MMA for a little while there — let’s do it,” White continued. “Let’s answer the question. But these (UFC) guys aren’t boxing. Listen, if you want the fight, if you want the title of baddest man on the planet, let’s do it. I’m in.
“We could all talk about this forever, but there’s only one way to find out. I’m willing to do it. Tyson can call me himself. He has my number, we have a good relationship, or Tyson’s people can call me and we’ll get it done.”
READ MORE:
Aymeric Laporte's Man City playing time admission amid transfer uncertainty
Ilkay Gundogan gives verdict on electric Man City form and outlines 'simple' Champions League demand
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa breaks silence on Manchester United transfer links
