Jones Takes First Steps Toward UFC Contract Exit

Jon Jones is doing more than talking about fighting Francis Ngannou.

Following his appearance as an analyst on the MVP MMA 1 Netflix broadcast, Jones texted Tyron Woodley — who was on the same broadcast — to ask for the contact details of the lawyer who could potentially help him find a legal route out of his UFC contract.

Woodley confirmed the exchange publicly, identifying his attorney Sam Spira as the man Jones is now seeking out. Spira's relevant credential is significant — he was the architect of the legal framework that allowed Conor McGregor to box Floyd Mayweather in 2017 while under UFC contract, using the Ali Act as the mechanism to make it possible.

"Conor McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather. My lawyer is the lawyer that actually gave Audie Attar and Conor the play and the manoeuvre to do it through the Ali Act," Woodley said. "His name is Sam Spira. He doesn't get a lot of credit for it. If Jon wanted to fight Francis Ngannou, there is a legal way where he can do it. It's not going to be a cakewalk, but have the legal team deal with it."

Woodley described the moment in real time — as he was speaking about the legal possibility on air, Spira was watching the broadcast and simultaneously texted Woodley the specific details of the injunction Jones would need to file and the process involved. Jones reached out immediately after the show ended.

"Jon texted me afterwards, because Jon knows me. He knows if I say something, I'm not going to be sugarcoating it. Jon asked me himself, he said, 'Tyron, send me that lawyer's number that knows that play.' I said fine, and I forwarded him my lawyer's info."

Woodley was measured about how far Jones is likely to take this, noting that the former champion has kept himself occupied through business ventures, mentoring Gable Steveson ahead of his UFC debut, working with Dirty Boxing, and maintaining a schedule of appearances and seminars. "I would say he has the information he needs, if he legally wants to pursue that. But he is doing well business-wise. He's got a lot of things keeping him busy. So if he wants to fight, he's got the information to do it. The ball's in his court."