Jon Jones teases boxing switch as he claims getting out of UFC contract is ‘very possible’

Jon Jones wants to turn his hand to boxing if he can wriggle his way out of his UFC contract.

‘Johnny Bones’ recently requested a release from MMA’s premier promotion after being denied a spot on the upcoming White House card.

Jones had reversed his short-lived retirement to compete on the unprecedented bill.

However, UFC president Dana White insisted he could not rely on Jones to headline such an important event.

The relationship between Jones and the UFC has subsequently soured to the point that the MMA legend is planning to assemble a legal team that can help him become a free agent.

Jones plots plan for UFC release

Speaking with his publicist Denise White, Jones said: “Am I going to fight again? You know what, I don’t know.

“I think that getting out of my UFC contract is very, very possible.

“But I need to find the right people and go through the right channels. Just put more effort into it, really.

“You know what? I’ve really wanted to box.

“If I were to put all my energy into just my hands, my combinations, my punching power, I think I would really surprise a lot of people.”

Jones was at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, over the weekend working as an analyst for Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) debut MMA event, headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.

He watched on from cageside as long-time rival Francis Ngannou called him out after flattening Philipe Lins inside a round.

Jones expressed a desire to take the fight, but once again reiterated that he is restricted by his deal with the UFC.

“I’ve got to focus on trying to get out of my UFC contract,” Jones said on the Netflix broadcast.

“That’s going to be the difficult part if this fight is going to happen. I don’t think Dana [White] is interested in doing business with Francis.

“Doing it with MVP would probably be the only way to make it happen. If we can get out of my contract, that would be great.”

If Jones were to sign a contract with MVP, he would have the freedom to compete in both MMA and boxing.

And MVP co-founder Jake Paul is evidently keen to work with Jones.

Jones to MVP?

“I just feel bad when Jon Jones can’t get out of his contract to be a free agent, to be able to provide for his family,” Paul told reporters.

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“That is the real meaning behind these things and these fighters being tied up, not being able to pick and choose what they want to do.

“The fact that he isn’t on the White House card is very disappointing.

“I got to talk to him tonight, and yeah, he’s upset about it. He’s like, ‘Man, it just sucks.’ He can’t control his career.

“I’ve been pushing for fighters to stay free agents, to work with people like MVP, where these MMA fighters can go and box.

“I’ve been wanting to make Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou, but it’s just tough over there.”