Prior to the Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier fight, "Bones" engaged in a closed-door sparring session with former long-time middleweight champion Anderson Silva. The reigning UFC light heavyweight champ then declared that he wants "The Spider" to be his mentor/advisor in the near future.

The Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier title fight is scheduled for UFC 182 on January 3, but the champion is currently taking his focus off Cormier for a while, as he sparred with Silva, whom he considers as his hero.

As expected, the Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier bout momentarily left "Bones'" mind, as he relishes the experience he had with the man many still considers as the "Greatest of All-Time."

"I just look up to him so much," Jones said in a report by FOX Sports. "I don't have many people that I've been able to look at in my lifetime and just think, wow, how cool is it to be that guy?"

The 27-year old Jones seemed star-struck during his moments with Silva, whom he had likened to some of today's world-class athletes.

"Look at what he's done. Jordan, LeBron, Anderson, Kobe. I consider them all in the same type of class. The Jeters. Athletes of that caliber don't come around too often."

Many have already broached the idea of having Jon Jones face Anderson Silva, which in turn, both men have mutually declined. "Bones" once again told his side of the story, noting that he would not want to ruin the friendship he had built with the Brazilian fighting legend.

"I just don't want to be the guy to beat him, even though it's happened already," Jones explained. "I don't want to lose to him. I don't want to beat him."

Instead, Jones is looking to have Silva his advisor and mentor in the future, someone he can seek wisdom from.

"So I would love to have him in my back pocket as that mentor, advisor, someone I can talk to in the next few years to come, instead of the quick check and then you just ruin a legit friendship with one of the greatest fighters of all time."