Anthony Smith Wastes No Time, Claims Negotiations With UFC

GettyImages-970627744 — Anthony Smith is making sure that he gets first crack at Jon Jones UFC light heavyweight title. Anthony Smith reacts after defeating Rashad Evans by TKO in the first round in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC 225: Whittaker v Romero 2 event at the United Center on June 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images/Dylan Buell

Jon Jones is coming off a successful return to the UFC, and the current light heavyweight champion only has one name in mind for his next clash: Daniel Cormier. But with DC saying he was not interested in a trilogy, someone else has stepped up to the plate -- Anthony Smith.

According to TMZ Sports, Smith revealed that he and his manager, Jim Walter, are already in talks with the UFC to set up the clash. Smith is the no. 3 contender to the light heavyweight title and now he wants a shot at the gold. The 30-year-old made his way up to the position following wins over Rashad Evans, Shogun Rua and Volkan Oezdemir.

"I'll fight Jon this weekend if he wants to. I'm ready. I'm ready, and you know it. And I know it. I'm the only one that's gonna push you," Smith said.

It will be interesting if the UFC will confirm and issue an official statement confirming the claim of Smith. In the meantime, he is not the only one angling for a title shot. There are other names in the mix, including Corey Anderson, the sixth-ranked contender in the division.

One thing that could aid Smith is the fact that fireworks had already started following Jones' conquest of Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 over the weekend. Both talked trash during the post-fight show on FS1.

A clear picture should develop in the coming days on who "Bones" will be facing next. In the meantime, the newly minted champion said that he wanted to fight three times in 2019 as he tries to make up for lost time, Forbes said.

Jones' career has been a topsy-turvy one. He was stripped of the UFC title three times, the last of which happened in September 2017 after testing positive for steroid turinabol. His return fight was not spared as well from issues. UFC 232 was held at The Forum in Inglewood, California instead of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This happened because the Nevada Athletic Commission refused to license Jones over a drug testing abnormality, something covered in a previous post.

So far, all have been clear for Jones since his UFC 232 conquest. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should be able to fulfill his three-fight target this year. Now, the only question is who will he fight in those three contests. Better yet, will Smith really be the first one to get a crack at his light heavyweight title?