MMA News Roundup – Jon Jones Forced to Plead in Court After ESPN Releases Ranking; Dana White and ‘Shaq’ Turn Matchmakers for Conor McGregor; Khamzat Chimaev’s Title Shot Claim Stuns UFC Legend

With another 24 hours in the rearview, we’ve some new stories from the sport of MMA. So let’s get to it with our new daily roundup edition. Today, this compilation will start with heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. While he pleaded in court regarding his two misdemeanor charges, ‘Bones’ has found himself on an honorary list released by ESPN.

Thereafter, we’ll swiftly turn to focus on UFC CEO Dana White and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as together they tried to match up Conor McGregor with some probable opponents. Finally, our roundup ends with Emirati Khamzat Chimaev. A UFC Hall of Famer appeared stunned with the undefeated fighter. Why? Because of his surprising claims about returning to fight for the coveted gold.

Jon Jones rated in ESPN’s Top 100 as he pleads not guilty in court

While Jon Jones has been having a brush-off with the law yet again, a rather good piece of news has popped up for the heavyweight champion in ESPN’s Top 100 Professional Athletes Since 2000. ‘Bones’ found himself in the 66th position on that list, while fellow legend Georges St-Pierre claimed the 76th spot. But who’s number one? Well, ESPN will let us know that in the coming days, but some sports personalities, like Pat McAfee, don’t seem to agree with the leading multimedia sports entertainment company’s choice.

Moving over to the legal problems of Jon Jones, for the two charges of misdemeanor and interference with communications, the champion pleaded not guilty during the arraignment in Bernalillo County court. During the hearing, which took place virtually, the UFC champion offered a recognizance.

The judge who presided over the hearing, laid down a few rules or conditions for Jones as he was told not to break any laws, make use of or carry firearms, abstain from the use of illegal substances, and of course, never try to contact the alleged victims of these charges. A bench trial is in order, but there’s still no confirmed date regarding it.

Dana White and Shaquille O’Neal discuss Conor McGregor’s next opponent

Remember Conor McGregor calling for a BMF fight? That’s exactly what Shaquille O’Neal wants too, especially because Max Holloway‘s the champion right now. When the NBA legend inquired to the boss about it, Dana White believed that it could be a possibility, but guess what? It all depends on ‘The Notorious’. “If Conor McGregor fights again, it’s [BMF clash against Max Holloway] obviously a great fight,” White told O’Neil on the latter’s ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq’.

However, Dana White seems to have made a promise to Michael Chandler, because he just won’t stop mentioning that he still has his mind on that fight despite the recent setbacks. “Him and Chandler is a great fight, too… There’s a lot of fights out there for Conor,” the UFC CEO added. But until we have any word on when Conor McGregor returns, these fights will just remain dream fights.

Let’s hope that the MMA’s biggest star makes a quick return. Now, let’s have a read about what a particular UFC legend had to say about Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev asking for a title fight is “crazy,” claims ‘DC’

After pulling out from a big-time Fight Night event in Saudi Arabia because of medical issues, Khamzat Chimaev recently called for Dana White to hand a title shot. He intends to return to Abu Dhabi, where he had his last fight, which Daniel Cormier believes is out of the question. But what is his reasoning for that? ‘DC’ reasoned that Chimaev still has unfinished business to deal with Robert Whittaker. Also, Sean Strickland, to him, is still the most viable and deserving contender for Dricus Du Plessis‘s title.

“I don’t understand how Sean Strickland keeps getting forgotten. He does everything he’s supposed to do. He wins the fights, he was [the] number one contender… I believe that he should probably fight Robert Whittaker, right? That’s what we’re supposed to get anyways,” said Daniel Cormier in a social media post.

Do you agree with him calling for the Robert Whittaker fight to get rebooked? Let us know in the comments.