Dana White talked to Jon Jones for the first time since UFC 214

Jon Jones will meet with the California State Athletic Commission next week regarding his failed drug test from last summer, and this has led to increased conversation about a possible UFC return this year. His manager has stated that he’s “95% sure” that Jones will fight in 2018, and Jones himself has returned to posting confrontational messages on social media.

One thing he hadn’t done was talk to UFC president Dana White though. The two men hadn’t had a conversation since Jones was flagged by USADA, but White told TMZ Sports that he spoke to the former UFC light heavyweight champion yesterday. He was asked about a Jones fighting in 2018, and that led him to discuss their talk:

“I don’t know. Obviously that would be great. It’s crazy you asking me about Jon. Jon and I talked yesterday for the first time, for the first time since his last fight. He sounds good, and he says he’s looking at positive things right now. He’s just focusing on training. He wants to come back (in 2018).

He did add the caveat that he’s not in control of Jones’ current issues though:

“That’s up to USADA. I have nothing to do with that.”

Jones defeated Daniel Cormier for the 205-pound title at UFC 214 in July, but tested positive for turinabol around the fight. He was subsequently suspended and the title was returned to Cormier. Jones could be facing up to a four-year ban, as this is his second USADA offense.