Even though the upcoming date hasn’t been set, the promotion claimed that Jon “Bones” Jones would make his return to the UFC Octagon later this year.
Many asserted that Jones’ break from performing should have an explanation from “outside the cage” since he previously chose to take a break of more than two years. According to mmanews.com, it is reportedly inaccurate, and he chose to take a voluntary leave of absence in order to gain weight before making his heavyweight debut.
However, Jones’ contract debut with the UFC brass contributed to his pause from the organization, as per reports.
Jones is prepared to face whoever is holding the heavyweight title, according to the former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, who spoke to SunSport.
“He is willing, ready and able to fight whoever we can get for the heavyweight title.”
Although Jones’ heavyweight debut opponent hasn’t been revealed, it has previously been reported that either Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou would be Jones’ opponent in the debut, which is expected to take place in December.
Jones’ potential opponent in his heavyweight debut, Miocic, is also renowned for being dubbed the heavyweight GOAT, hence he has long been anticipated.
As a result, Jones is reportedly teased by Henry Cejudo, the coach, for allegedly delaying the fight.
Jones aims to compete for heavyweight championship
Jones tweeted saying that it is his dream and goal to compete for the heavyweight championship for the first time.
“My goal, my dream is to have my first heavyweight title fight look like my first light heavyweight title fight,” he said.
When asked about the date and location of his upcoming cage debut, he responded on Twitter with “UFC 282” and a “finger crossed” emoji, emphasizing that there is still no agreement in place.
Prior to this, Jones had a good memory from the UFC 128 match, where he competed for his first light heavyweight title against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
In those fights, Jones was able to control the situation and dominate his opponent, winning the match and earning the title of youngest champion in UFC history to this day.
While in the process of bulking up, he tweeted in response to a fan who had made fun of him.
“I personally don’t feel slow, I’m aware that I’m not in camp and I am in a bulking phase,” he wrote. “But I like people judging that version of me, it could only work to my advantage.”
The 35-year-old champion utilized those criticisms as one of his sources of motivation, saying, “For all those who said I looked a little slow in my last training video, I appreciate the added motivation.”
Moreover, he added that he would work even harder to put on weight.
“I’ll push harder, can’t wait for you all to see your boy in actual fight shape. Everything has its process.”
Jones, a New York native who weighs 32,5lbs, is no longer as trim as he once was.
When discussing his bulking up the program in January, he said that it was “good” to not be depriving himself of food.
“It feels good to not be depriving myself of food anymore, can’t fit any of my suits but I’m moving well,” he said in a statement.