Dana White 'talking' with Roy Jones Jr. on Anderson Silva bout

MMAjunkie.com staff

LAS VEGAS — Anderson Silva hasn't been shy about saying he's interested in a fight against boxer Roy Jones Jr. And the buzz around that potential may reach a fever pitch this weekend.

UFC President Dana White told MMAjunkie.com on Thursday that Jones will be the UFC's guest on Saturday at UFC 162 in Las Vegas — and that the two are "talking."

White didn't elaborate on just what "talking" entails. Could that mean an MMA bout between Silva and Jones? Or, perhaps less likely, a special boxing match between the two? The specifics are up in the air. But that White admitted he's talking to the boxer is a step in the right direction.

In 2009, White said no to the possibility of the matchup happening when Jones first brought it to the table. But four years later, things may have changed.

"Roy Jones Jr. is coming to the fight," White told MMAjunkie.com. "Roy and I are talking."

But White does admit he's unsure why Silva wants the meeting to happen.

"It makes no sense to me. It makes no sense to me," he said. "I don't know why (Silva wants it). It's like these guys, when they grew up, they had their heroes or whatever their deal is, it's something they want to do or accomplish. This is something Anderson wants to do."

Silva (33-4 MMA, 16-0 UFC) fights Chris Weidman (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) on Saturday to defend his middleweight title at UFC 162, which takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena. A Silva win could set up some kind of superfight, be it one against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, should Jones successfully defend his title against Alexander Gustafsson in September. Or now, perhaps Roy Jones Jr.

Jones (56-8), 44, hasn't boxed in a year. He started his career 34-0 and went on to win many titles in many weight classes.

"From a professional point of view, my goals have already been accomplished," Silva told MMAjunkie.com on Wednesday. "I don't see any greater challenges in my career. I simply seek to be a better human being every day. I try to set a good example to those around me. That's what's most important to me. A fight with Jon Jones, with St-Pierre or even with Weidman won't change anything. The past has been written already.

"I believe a fight against Roy Jones Jr. would be much better."

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