Jon Jones, Dana White to meet

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

TORONTO -- UFC president Dana White and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will meet face-to-face Friday for the first time since the Aug. 23 cancellation of UFC 151.

Jones revealed the news Thursday during a UFC 152 prefight news conference.

"I have a meeting with Dana on Friday just before the weigh-ins," said Jones, who is scheduled to defend his title Saturday night at Air Canada Centre against Vitor Belfort. "I don't know why we're meeting at that time. Obviously my mental state won't be as clear, I'm going to be dehydrated and hungry.

"But that's when our meeting is scheduled."

White had harsh words for Jones and his lead trainer, Greg Jackson, after the two informed UFC officials of their decision not to fight Chael Sonnen on just eight days' notice.

Jones has remained steadfast that turning down Sonnen was the right decision for his career. And despite White's feelings to the contrary, Jones expects Friday's meeting to go smoothly.

"Dana White is awesome," Jones said. "Like I've said before, Dana White is a very passionate guy.

"He takes his passion and hopes to do big meetings, and he's talking to a lot of people about getting MMA legalized. His passion is the reason all of us are here right now.

"When he's upset with you he's going to be passionate. I forgive Dana White for any insults he's directed at me. I'm looking forward to talking with him and moving forward."

White arrived in town Thursday but not in time to attend the news conference.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe

Franklin McNeil

Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts

• Follow
• Archive

• MMA columnist for ESPN.com
• Analyst for "MMA Live"
• Covered MMA/Boxing for The Star-Ledger