Gallery Jon Jones def. Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232: Best photos view 23 images

All signs point toward Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith being the next UFC light heavyweight championship fight.

After winning back the UFC belt with a third-round TKO of Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 this past weekend, Jones (23-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) has said his desire is to keep very active in 2019, with plans for three octagon appearances against any challenger deemed worthy of facing him.

With Daniel Cormier’s potentially never returning to the weight class, Smith (31-13 MMA, 7-3 UFC) has a strong argument for being the top contender after rattling off wins over Volkan Oezdemir, Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans. His post-UFC 232 exchange with Jones has only seemed to help his case, too.

“Bones” appears to on board with the matchup, and in recent days has dropped multiple signs that Smith will be next (via Instagram):

“Any time, any place, anywhere, I’m ready,” Smith said. “I’ll fight Jon this weekend if he wants to.” — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 4, 2019

Smith told TMZ Sports on Thursday that his team is already in negotiations to fight Jones this year, it’s just a matter of finalizing a date and location for the next 205-pound title bout.

“It sounds like he’s in,” Smith said. “Of course, [my manager] has already been talking to the UFC and I think that they’re working that out and seeing what that looks like as far as timelines and stuff, but I’m in.”

Jones is one of arguably greatest fighter to ever compete in MMA, and although he’s rarely been tested inside the octagon, “Lionheart” believes he has the tools to threaten the pound-for-pound great.

“I’m not afraid of him and I think that Jon has a lot of people beat before they even get in there,” Smith said. “I think people look at Jon like he’s an uphill battle and this unreachable task and I don’t see him like that. I’m not wowed by him. I see a man that I can beat and a person with holes, like any other human, that can be exploited.”

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

Gallery Photos: Best of Anthony Smith view 23 images