MMA News

Tag: Jon Jones

  • Henry Cejudo Still Unconvinced By Alex Pereira Despite UFC 303 KO Win: ‘He’s Not Mentioning Jon Jones Because I Think He Knows…’

    Alex Pereira saved UFC 303 by knocking out Jiří Procházka in the second round with a vicious head kick. He walked out of the Octagon with minimal damage, and fans are already discussing his next fight.

    At light heavyweight, Magomed Ankalaev is seemingly the only fighter with a case for a title challenge. However, more fans want “Poatan” to move up a weight class and have a super fight with Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall.

    Apart from the loss to Israel Adesanya, Pereira has mostly looked invincible in the UFC. Is he really that good or is he yet to be properly tested by a superior grappler? Here’s Henry Cejudo’s two cents on the matter…

    Henry Cejudo Expects Alex Pereira To Fight ‘Well-Rounded Wrestler’ Before Taking On Jon Jones

    In a recent episode uploaded on the Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry, the former UFC champions discussed the UFC 303 main event. “Triple C” congratulated the Brazilian but quickly pointed out how the outcome wasn’t surprising because the fight didn’t go to the ground.

    According to Cejudo, Procházka should’ve avoided a battle on the feet as Pereira will always have an edge there. He also thinks that the UFC light heavyweight champion still needs to beat a remarkable wrestler like Ankalaev to prove his well-roundedness.

    “It’s not until Alex Pereira really fights somebody like Ankalaev where I’m gonna say, ‘okay, this guy is the…’ is he the real deal? 100 percent but, could he get past a well-rounded wrestler? Someone who’s going to bring in the grappling?”

    “Triple C” criticized Pereira’s past opponents in the UFC’s light heavyweight division for trying to strike with him. Like many, he believes that fights with heavyweights Jones and Aspinall will truly test his mettle because of the wrestling.

    “The IQ of the light heavyweight division, dude, I think everybody just wants to strike, Kamaru. I think that’s where everything goes wrong.”

    Cejudo claims that Pereira hasn’t talked about fighting Jones because it won’t be his ideal matchup. This is also why the former UFC double champ is excited to see Pereira vs. Ankalaev at light heavyweight first.

    “Either way, Alex Pereira, he’s not mentioning Jon Jones because I think he knows that Jon Jones has that special sauce, and it’s called wrestling. But that being said, I want to see the fight with Ankalaev.”

  • Aljamain Sterling Makes Henry Cejudo Comparison To Back Up Dana White’s Contention That Jon Jones Is P4P #1 Over Islam Makhachev

    Following Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, UFC President Dana White had some thoughts on the current pound-for-pound debate.

    Currently, the top spot on the list is occupied by the 155-pound champion who sits one place above the consensus greatest of all time, Jon Jones.

    White firmly believes that the answer is “Bones” but others have questioned whether his recent activity should factor into the equation.

    Of course, it is a hypothetical argument to be having as the entire list is based around if every fighter was the same weight, who would be the best.

    Makhachev certainly has the edge when you look at his current strength of schedule and recent performances but it is impossible to look past Jones when you take overall careers into account.

    Aljamain Sterling Backs Up Dana White’s Comments With Henry Cejudo Example

    When he decided to vacate the light heavyweight title and move up to heavyweight, it was three years before fans saw Jones compete again.

    His injury ahead of UFC 295 last November hasn’t helped the questions about his activity either.

    Aljamain Sterling, however, said on his YouTube channel that he backs White’s argument because of Jones’ last fight.

    The former light heavyweight king took three years off, came back and made it look easy when he submitted Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in just over two minutes.

    Sterling used the example of Henry Cejudo to demonstrate his point, stating how “Triple C” attempted to come back and was unsuccessful in his title challenge at UFC 288 – which shows why the significance of the Gane victory can’t be overlooked.

    “I was about to say, three years off and to come back and do that to the number one guy like Dana said, I actually really agree with that.  

    “Jon Jones, what he did, is super impressive. Henry Cejudo came back, he tried to do what he tried to do and look what happened. He’s ‘the greatest combat athlete of all time’, no disrespect to him but…” 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjIQkObyITU

  • Dana White: You’re ‘Nuts’ If You Think Islam Makhachev Is The Pound-For-Pound Best

    Islam Makhachev continued to impress and showcase his status as one of the sport’s best with his fifth-round submission of Dustin Poirier to retain the UFC lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 302.

    Makhachev certainly has the credentials to show why he is one of the best athletes in MMA, but where does that put him amongst his peers in the pound-for-pound order?

    The UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings currently list Makhachev as #1. UFC CEO Dana White, however, suggests that while nothing can be taken away from Makhachev’s abilities, the top spot should be with Jon Jones until the heavyweight kingpin can’t go anymore.

    Jones is currently ranked second on the P4P list.

    “I think [Islam is] one of the greatest of all time,” White said at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference. “I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. For anyone to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f****** fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound, or doing any of the f****** rankings ever if that’s what you really think.

    “Jon Jones has never lost a fight, ever. He’s fought all the baddest dudes in the world, and then when you think about what pound-for-pound rankings really mean — he moved up to heavyweight and destroyed the best guy in the world. As long as Jon Jones is still fighting, active and in the rankings, nobody [else] is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world.”

    White: Performance After Long Layoff, Moving Up In Weight Gives Jones Edge Over Makhachev

    Jones reigned over the light heavyweight division for most of the 2010s in spite of multiple controversies that interrupted runs as the division’s champion. He then vacated the championship in 2020 to move up to heavyweight, successfully returning at UFC 285 last year to submit Ciryl Gane and win the then-vacant heavyweight title.

    Jones’ only blemish in his MMA career is his controversial December 2009 disqualification loss to Matt Hamill.

    “Three years off — nobody, not even [Muhammad] Ali, nobody’s ever come from three years off and looked the same,” White said. “Jon Jones walked through the number one guy in the heavyweight division like it was nothing with three years off.”

    Weight divisions also plays a role in White’s feelings.

    Makhachev’s only two other title defenses came last year against the same individual — then-UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski moved up to 155 pounds and challenged Makhachev at UFC 284, with the Russian winning a close decision, and again on about 10 days’ notice at UFC 294, where Makhachev won via first-round knockout.

    “When you think about what pound-for-pound really means, [Makhachev] fought Volkanovski, who’s a weight class lower than him,” White said. “Jon Jones beat everybody at light heavyweight then beat the best heavyweight in the division like it was nothing at a higher weight class.”

  • Chael Sonnen Doubts Jon Jones’ Theory On Stipe Miocic Training Footage: ‘I Don’t Know A Single Fighter Whose Ego Is Strong Enough…’

    Chael Sonnen Doubts Jon Jones’ Theory On Stipe Miocic Training Footage: ‘I Don’t Know A Single Fighter Whose Ego Is Strong Enough…’

    Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen isn’t buying into Jon Jones’ theory on the training footage recently released by heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic.

    Jones and Miocic are expected to collide toward the end of 2024 with the former’s heavyweight belt on the line. They were originally set to do battle last November at Madison Square Garden but an injury to the champion forced a change of plans.

    Since then, the topic of discussion has been the debate over Jones and the UFC’s insistence on keeping the Miocic matchup together over a unification showdown between “Bones” and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.

    The backlash to the decision not to have the two champs square off only increased upon the release of some recent training footage from Miocic.

    But while many expressed concern over what they perceived to be a clear decline in speed from the divisional legend, who has not competed in over three years, Jones theorized that Miocic may have been attempting to instil a false sense of confidence into him.

    A former opponent of the reigning champ’s, however, has dismissed that take and put forth an alternative suggestion…

    Sonnen Doubts Miocic Is ‘Trying To Dupe’ Jones

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen assessed the brief clip Miocic posted online, as well as Jones’ comments on it.

    “The Bad Guy” dismissed the idea that Miocic may have been attempting to deceive the champ, claiming there isn’t a single fighter who would willingly release footage that shows their ability in a negative light.

    Instead, Sonnen believes the explanation is more simple — Miocic just wasn’t competing an explosive training drill.

    “Jon Jones isn’t buying what Stipe Miocic is selling as legit training footage on Instagram,” Sonnen said. “Stipe looks a little bit slow… But I didn’t interpret it as he was going full out. I interpreted that he was working on technique… Jon Jones is talking about, ‘Hey man, he’s trying to deceive me, he’s trying to fool me. He looked slow in that video but he wants me to see that. He wants me to see that he’s slowed down so that I can build (a false sense of) confidence.’

    “One thing that I have learned… There is no scenario that I could imagine that Jon could make the video and/or have the decision over said video to be posted to the world or not, and Jon, whether for delusion or strategy, would allow anyone to put a video out that he did not think made him look good,” Sonnen continued. “I don’t think Stipe was trying to dupe anybody… I don’t know a fighter whose little fragile ego would allow a video to go out where they perhaps could be perceived as anything not positive. I don’t know a single fighter whose ego is strong enough to allow a video to go out on social media that made them look anything other than superhuman.”

    As he begins preparation for his return to action, Jones looks set to be answering plenty of questions regarding his decision to focus on Miocic and dismiss his division’s interim champion. 

    “Bones” has frequently addressed the backlash and defended his preference online, and he’s even chose to mock the interim title bout between Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes set for UFC 304 this coming July in Manchester, England.

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why Conor McGregor Would Film Himself Partying At 2 AM Ahead Of Michael Chandler Fight: ‘Jon Jones Played The Same Game…’

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why Conor McGregor Would Film Himself Partying At 2 AM Ahead Of Michael Chandler Fight: ‘Jon Jones Played The Same Game…’

    All of the words out of Conor McGregor’s mouth ahead of his return at UFC 303 have suggested that he is taking this fight seriously.

    Unfortunately, a lot of the comments he has made previously seemed to be undone after some videos were posted over the weekend.

    The footage shows McGregor partying at his Black Forge Inn until the early hours of the morning.

    Whilst there isn’t a video which sees him consuming any alcohol, he is dancing with his long-time partner Dee Devlin amongst other things like taking his shirt off.

    Though some were quick to disregard this as McGregor being out of control and not taking his comeback fight against Michael Chandler seriously, perhaps there is a deeper meaning at play.

    Sonnen Suggests Conor McGregor Is Giving Himself Built-In Excuse By Partying During Fight Camp

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen attempted to unpack the videos of McGregor that surfaced over the weekend.

    “The Bad Guy” made the point that why would McGregor put himself in this scenario knowing that everyone has a camera in their pockets.

    With that in mind, he tried to think about why “The Notorious” would want something like this out there.

    Some may point to it being an attempt to throw people off with the Ryan Garcia style of mind games to lull people into underestimating him.

    Sonnen, however, compared the videos to the former antics of Jon Jones and how he would sabotage himself in order to ease the pressure of winning. 

    “That’s where all of your options all of a sudden start really narrowing and when you’re confronted with the reality that it is not a marketing piece, then what is the story? What is the story and the message that the sports greatest storyteller is attempting to get you to consume. Jon Jones played the same game and Jon Jones eventually quit playing the game but he told the world why he was doing it initially and that was he always wanted to have an excuse in case he lost.

    “Not to you, the public, he wanted to have one for himself. If he would go to practice and he would work hard, he’d do what the coaches asked him, he’d put all that time in but he would also go out and drink and have a good time. If he was to taste defeat could tell himself well yeah but it was because of…”        

  • Pimblett Names Jon Jones As The MMA GOAT

    Paddy Pimblett considers Jon “Bones” Jones to be the GOAT of mixed martial arts.

    Pimblett has made incredible strides in his MMA career. His outstanding UFC debut took place last September, and his abundance of followers get to see him in action again today at UFC London.

    Paddy Pimblett and Luigi Vendramini
    Paddy Pimblett and Luigi Vendramini, Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Having experience as a featherweight champion in Cage Warriors, Pimblett enters the UFC with the potential to become one of the greats in the lightweight division. He might eventually compare himself to his most revered fighter, Jon Jones.

    The English fighter considers Jones one of the greatest of all time and recently had nothing but good things to say about the former champion when asked who he considers to be the MMA GOAT.

    “Jon Jones. Just look at his record, his résumé, look at the people he’s beat,” Pimblett assessed. “He’s beat like three different generations of UFC light heavyweights. I think if he comes back and wins that heavyweight title, he’s cemented his place as [the greatest of all time] with ease.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    Agreeably, Jon Jones is one of the best to ever do it. Glover Teixeira, Daniel Cormier, and Thiago Santos are among the list of established fighters who felt the sting of Jones’s greatness.

    Jones is a longtime UFC veteran who suffered only one loss (via disqualification) in his career. Since then, he gained the light heavyweight belt three times on his dominant path of victories.

    Jon Jones
    Jon Jones holding the Light Heavyweight Championship belt

    Jones recorded some of the best highlights in the UFC, with guillotine chokes, keylock submissions, and a slew of TKOs.

    Currently, “Bones” is on a 17-fight win streak. He won his last match in 2020 when he defended the light heavyweight belt against Dominick Reyes.

    There are a few names such as Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, but recent controversy circling Jones puts a shadow of uncertainty over his next appearance in the Octagon.

    In contrast, Paddy “The Baddy” faces “Kazula” Vargas today at UFC London. It is his second bout in the UFC and he enters as the fan-favorite at -490.

    What are your thoughts on Paddy Pimblett considering Jon Jones to be the MMA GOAT?

  • Archives: Jones, DC Caught On Tape Talking Trash In Parking Lot (2016)

    The following article was published on this day six years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Six Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 12, 2016, 10:48 AM]

    If you thought the trash-talk between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was intense on-camera, wait until you hear what they have to say to each other when they think they’re not on camera.

    Footage leaked this week that shows Jones and Cormier talking trash to each other as they walked to their cars after the UFC “Unstoppable” press conference last weekend.

    Transcribed below is a recap of what Jones and D.C. said to each other on the way to their cars after the press event, which you can see in the video footage embedded above.

    Jon Jones: “You’re the lamest b*tch ass I’ve ever met, bro.”
    Daniel Cormier: “What does that make you?”
    Jones: “Talking all this sh*t outside with your bodyguards.”
    Cormier: “When have I ever backed down from a fight with you?”
    Jones: “Daniel, suck my d*ck, man. F*ck your cheerleading squad.”

    UFC 197: Cormier vs. Jones II is scheduled for April 23, 2016 inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Make sure to join us here at MMANews.com on 4/23 for the best UFC 197 live results coverage on the web!

    H/T to MMAMania.com for transcribing.

  • Archives: Jon Jones Likens Thiago Santos to His Fiancée (2019)

    Despite Jon Jones’ initial doubts found in the following story, Thiago Santos proved that he was a worthy opponent when he took the LHW GOAT to the only split decision of his career three years ago. Tonight at UFC Vegas 50, Santos will go up against another dominant light heavyweight in Magomed Ankalaev in the main event.

    The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JUNE 25, 2019, 1:37 PM]

    Jon Jones is no more worried about Thiago Santos’ knockout power than he is that of his fiancée.

    At UFC 239 Jon Jones will defend his light heavyweight championship against the dangerous Thiago Santos. The story leading up to the fight is that the power Santos possesses in his limbs could be the key to someone finally defeating Jon Jones. Though this might be an area of concern for some fans and betters of Jon Jones come July 6, it isn’t to the man himself, who believes that power is universal; execution is not:

    “No, I’m not worried about him at all,” Jones said in an appearance on The Ariel Helwani MMA Show on Monday. “I feel like my fiancée’s strong enough to knock me out if I put my hands behind my back and let her punch me right in the chin. A lot of people hit hard. Everybody has the power to knock out anybody. My manager can knock me out if I let him punch me in the face. It’s about being smart enough to land that punch.”

    Of course, one glaring difference between Thiago Santos and Jon Jones’s fiancée is that, unlike his fiancée, Santos has 15 wins by knockout. But Jones maintains that it isn’t the heavy hitters like Quinton Jackson, Glover Teixeira, Vitor Belfort he has fought in the past that concern him, it is those who can test his fight psychology:

    “Everyone hits hard,” Jones reiterated. “The fighters that concern me the most are the intelligent fighters, the guys who can set up those punches or set up a solid game plan. So I’m not too worried about Thiago. I’ve fought many guys with big muscles and big knockout power. I started doing that at 23 years old.

    “So, no, I’m not worried about anything. I’ve just got to go out there, have faith in my abilities, and my team that’s around me, my intelligence towards the game, and everything else will fall into place.”

    Do you believe Jon Jones should be worried about Thiago Santos’s knockout power?

  • Israel Adesanya: I’m Glad I’m Not “Cop Car Headbutter” Jon Jones

    UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has taken shots at Jon Jones’ 2021 arrest and suggested the former light heavyweight titleholder needs to fight himself and his demons.

    Jones, who is widely considered one of, if not the, leading contenders in the race for the status of greatest of all time, hasn’t entered the Octagon since a 2020 title defense against Dominick Reyes. Later in the year, he vacated the 205-pound gold and announced his intention to pursue heavyweight glory.

    But after a much-discussed clash with champion Francis Ngannou fell through last year, “Bones” sat out for all of 2021. Nevertheless, thanks to yet another run-in with the law, his name still remained firmly in the headlines despite his absence from active competition.

    After his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame at September’s Las Vegas-held ceremony, Jones was arrested and charged with battery domestic violence and injuring and tampering with a vehicle.

    In the latest update in regards to the incident, video footage of Jones’ arrest was released, showing the 34-year-old aggressively banging his head on a police car.

    During a recent interaction with TMZ Sports, Adesanya, who’s had his fair share of back and forth with Jones in recent years, appeared to jibe at his foe’s troubles, which represented the latest of many legal issues over the past decade.

    “The Last Stylebender” suggested he was glad to be on the TMZ channel for his accomplishments, rather than for head-butting a cop vehicle.

    “I’m glad I can be invited to TMZ; I’m not here, getting looked up for the wrong reasons, and being put on TMZ [impersonates TMZ intro], and some crazy video of me banging my head on a cop car or something crazy like that. I’m glad that’s not me,” said Adesanya.

    Having brought up the topic of Jones, Adesanya was asked about his own feud with the New York-born star. The Nigerian-New Zealander reminded fans that Jones was the initiator, something he believes proved that the two-time light heavyweight king saw him as a “threat.”

    While he reiterated a willingness to share the cage with Jones in the future, Adesanya asserted that the 34-year-old must fight himself and his demons first.

    “I remember it because he was the one that started it on TMZ. And everyone likes to say, ‘Ah, Izzy,’ no. He put my name in his mouth first,” reminded Adesanya. “So I’m like, ‘Well, he was a fan, and he realized there’s an opportunity there.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, for real? You’re supposed to be the GOAT and you wanna fight me? That shows me you think I’m a threat.’

    “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna get the other one.’ So I dealt with Silva, who was my favorite fighter at the time. So yeah, I’m like ‘F*ck this c*nt,’” added Adesanya. “But, hey, he needs to fight himself, or fight his demons. That’s the main things he needs to be fighting. Go back to church.”

    Adesanya Tells Jones To “Go Fight Francis”

    Adesanya also addressed Jones’ long-planned venture to the heavyweight division. Since 2020, the 205-pound great has consistently updated fans on his plans in the weight class and progress bulking up in the gym.

    However, now three months into 2022 and nearly two years beyond his decision to relinquish the light heavyweight title, and Jones doesn’t appear any closer to his divisional debut.

    Citing his own development from intention to action in terms of fighting at a second weight, Adesanya criticized Jones’ ongoing transition and constant statements of intent for a heavyweight switch.

    “First of all, go fight Francis. I said I was gonna move up in weight, I did it the next year. He’s said it since like 2013, ‘Ah, I still gotta do this first, and do that.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, this is martial arts. If you’re the best, go prove you’re the best. This is the game we’re in.’ It’s not just about size, and this and that,” concluded Adesanya.

    As most would have expected, Jones was vocal after Ngannou’s January triumph against Ciryl Gane. Nevertheless, with “The Predator” out of action following surgery and potentially on his way out of the promotion at the end of the year, Jones’ future is still uncertain.

    With Dana White previously suggesting a return to light heavyweight contention isn’t out of the question, perhaps a super fight between “Bones” and middleweight king Adesanya isn’t dead and buried just yet.

    How do you think a light heavyweight fight between Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones would play out?

  • Jorge Masvidal Says Colby Covington Robbed Jon Jones In College

    Jorge Masvidal was warned about Colby Covington years ago.

    Jorge Masvidal used to be friends with Colby Covington. The two were training partners and, at one time, even roommates. Now they will be facing each other in the main event of this weekend’s UFC 272 in a grudge match.

    The fall of their friendship has long become public and both men are constantly trash-talking the other. Now, Masvidal is sharing some new information about how a former champion warned him about Covington and his ways.

    “Jon Jones warned me numerous times. Me and Jon Jones weren’t even cool like that,” Masvidal told ESPN. “We hadn’t spoken too much. But he sent a couple messages to me via our manager at the time. Like, ‘Man, watch this guy. He stole my clothes. My clothes don’t even fit him. He robbed me of money before we left the room. I never talked to him again.’”

    Masvidal and Covington have been saying some personal things about each other. Covington has been talking about Masvidal’s ex-wife, and Masvidal has been talking about Covington being kicked out of their gym. Now he is bringing Covington’s issues with Jones to the table.

    Masvidal believes that unlike with him and Covington, Covington’s beef with Jones would never be settled physically because one of the two would quickly exit that conversation.

    “Do you know what would happen if he was to run into Jon Jones? He would sprint out of the room. He would run so fast. But if he’s on Twitter on his computer, man, he’s poppin’ off,” Masvidal said. “What would happen if they crossed at Whole Foods or somethin’? [Covington] would jet out of there. I can’t respect that. If you say something, commit to it. Do it. Whether it was on Twitter or it was in your face. Do it. And he’s such a coward, man. I can’t wait to put an end to this charlatan.”

    Both Covington and Masvidal are hoping for another shot at the champion Kamaru Usman with a win at UFC 272. The bad blood between them makes this non-title fight main event a fan favorite and the history between them gives an added layer of fascination. Now that fight week is upon us, look out for even more secrets to be spilled and trash talk to be spoken.

    Do you think the winner between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington deserves and title shot?

  • Khamzat Chimaev Sends Message Of Support To Jon Jones

    Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has had a rough past few months, but he still has a strong supporter in Khamzat Chimaev.

    Jones recently announced that he and his longtime fiancée, Jessie Moses, have split following Jones’ latest arrest back in September. He was accused of battering Moses in a Las Vegas hotel room before headbutting a police vehicle during his arrest.

    The battery domestic violence charges were dropped in exchange for Jones paying a small fine for the damage inflicted on the police vehicle. It’s still unclear what fully transpired between Jones and Moses leading up to when local authorities arrived at the scene.

    Jones has a lot on his plate at the moment ahead of his anticipated UFC return in 2022. He’s expected to make his heavyweight debut and potentially challenge for the heavyweight title later this year.

    In a tweet, Chimaev reached out to Jones in a message of support following his recent controversies.

    “We are with you legend [Jon Jones],” Chimaev said.

    Chimaev has risen to stardom following a dominant run in the UFC Octagon. He most recently dismantled Li Jingliang at UFC 267 and has allegedly been in talks to face former title challenger Gilbert Burns later this year.

    Jones has been under fire from fans, pundits, and fighting colleagues following his most recent arrest in Las Vegas. UFC President Dana White went as far as saying that Jones has “a lot of demons” outside of competition.

    It’s not yet clear how Jones’ recent transgressions could impact his return to the cage, but Chimaev appears to still have faith in the former UFC champion.

    Who do you want Jon Jones to face in his return?

  • Update: 20-Minute Unedited Footage From Jon Jones’ Latest Arrest

    Extended, unedited footage of Jon Jones’ latest arrest has been released.

    Last September, hours after Jones was inducted into the fight wing of the UFC Hall of Fame for his 2012 classic against Alexander Gustafsson, he was arrested on charges of battery domestic violence and injuring/tampering with a vehicle. Tuesday, footage of the arrest became public.

    In the video, officers complete a body search of a handcuffed and visibly emotional Jon Jones.

    “This is so humiliating. I got the Hall of Fame tonight. And then you gonna put me on this by walking down the street,” Jones said.

    Moments later, Jones could be heard shouting with a quivering voice, “I hate you!” and calling the arresting officers “nerds.” He then demands to know the names of the officers, pleads with them not to hurt him, and accuses them of racial profiling.

    “I came from my Hall of Fame ceremony, and I’m black, and I have my friends, and I did nothing to you!” Jones said. “Hang me. Hurt me and kill me.”

    When asked if he’d been drinking, Jones snapped back, “A black man can’t drink?!”

    Moments later, Jones again proclaimed his hatred for the officers and violently headbutted the police vehicle. It is at this point that Jones was placed in the squad car as he begged the officers not to hurt him. While in the back of the vehicle, Jones can be heard saying that he has anxiety and asking for the officers to open the window.

    In December, Jones was ordered to pay a restitution fee of $750 for damages caused to the vehicle. The domestic violence charge brought against him was dismissed, with Jones being required to attend anger management counseling.

    After this arrest, Jones vowed to ‘remove alcohol from his life forever.’ Last November, he marked 60 days of sobriety.

    Jones is expected to make his heavyweight debut later this year, with rumors being that his first opponent in the division will be Stipe Miocic.

    You can view the full, 20-minute unedited footage below (h/t MMA Junkie)

  • Jon Jones Shares Emotions After Fiancée Split & “Embarrassing” Video

    Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has provided an update on how he’s dealing with the split from his fiancée.

    Jones posted on his social media earlier this week that he and his long-time fiancée, Jessie Moses, have recently called it quits. This comes just months after Jones’ alleged battery domestic violence incident with her at a Las Vegas hotel.

    Jones was also arrested that night on vehicle tampering charges for headbutting the hood of a police vehicle. He recently plead no contest to the battery domestic violence charges in exchange for having them dismissed and paying for the vehicle damage.

    It’s not yet clear what officially ended the partnership, but one can deduce that the incident in September may have been the icing on the cake.

    Jones updated his followers on his wellbeing in a series of recent tweets. He began by addressing the bodycam footage of his arrest in Las Vegas, which was made public this week.

    https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1496904521691267072?s=20&t=zDD5HKbReQX-6fuHAzMTOw

    “Lol, I was hoping that video got lost in some files somewhere,” Jones said.

    After one fan checked in on him in a Twitter reply, he elaborated on his overall mood and where he intends to go from here.

    https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1496910253778030592?s=20&t=zDD5HKbReQX-6fuHAzMTOw

    “I can deal with embarrassment, it’s the loneliness that gets me,” Jones admitted. “Taking things one day at a time.”

    Jones addressed his haters following his announced split from his fiance, hinting that they may be celebrating his recent missteps. He sounded optimistic when approached with the topic.

    https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1496914031495434243?s=20&t=PAuQgHvkzLJFDRbxnSaR3w

    “No way my guy, the story is far from over,” Jones replied to a fan. “I’m wise enough to know that we all go through seasons in life. I’ve had many great ones and several bad ones. I’m excited for the next one, about to be heavyweight champion of the world, capable of so many things, loved.”

    Jones is planning a return to the Octagon in 2022 as he prepares for his heavyweight debut. He’s recently hinted at a fight with the “heavyweight GOAT” Stipe Miocic, although nothing is in motion just yet.

    UFC President Dana White and the rest of the brass have yet to comment publicly on the bodycam footage and the development in Jones’ family life.

    What is your reaction to Jon Jones’ downfall?

  • Colby Covington Roasts Jon Jones After Fiancée Allegedly Leaves Him

    UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington jabbed Jon Jones after Jones announced on his Twitter that his fiancée had recently left him.

    Covington is set to face former friend and teammate Jorge Masvidal in the UFC 272 main event. It’s arguably one of the biggest fights of 2022 and is a grudge match that fans have waited for a long time to see play out.

    Jones hinted that his now allegedly former fiancée, Jessie Moses, has recently split with him. This comes just a few months after Jones was accused of battery domestic violence just hours following his UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas.

    Bodycam footage has been published of Jones’ arrest, which shows a disturbing scene with Jones headbutting a police vehicle.

    After Jones announced to his “haters” that he and his fiance had split, Covington took the opportunity to blast his former college roommate.

    “Tremendous news,” Covington said of the alleged split. “Guess you finally knocked some sense into her, [Jon Jones].”

    Covington and Jones have had a tumultuous relationship over the years and have blasted each other on social media. Jones also has accused Covington of being a “pathological liar” and overblowing their time as roommates at Iowa Central Community College.

    Jones is anticipating a UFC return in 2022 at heavyweight, nearly two years after vacating the light heavyweight title. He hasn’t fought since his win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.

    Covington has fully embraced his role as a heel in MMA circles, but even by his standards, he may have taken things a bit too far with these latest remarks.

    Do you think Colby Covington took things too far with these comments about Jon Jones and Jessie Moses?

  • Jon Jones Says Fiancée Has Left Him, Calls For His Haters To Celebrate

    Jon Jones has revealed that he is no longer with ex-fiancée Jessie Moses after spending over 10 years together.

    Late last night, a video of Jon Jones’ latest arrest was made public. In the video, Jones can be seen in a very emotional state while evidently under the influence of alcohol. At one point, Jones even headbutted the police vehicle, an act that he later had to pay $750 in damages for.

    The arrest was made in connection to allegations of battery domestic violence against Jessie Moses. Jones has denied assaulting Moses, and this charge was dropped in December, with the former UFC champion being required to attend anger management counseling.

    After the arrest, all seemed to be repaired on the Jones home front. Jones posted a video of him and Moses doting on one another soon after the alleged domestic violence incident. He also posted a playful video of him, Moses, and their children celebrating Halloween together.

    However, according to a Wednesday tweet , Jones’ engagement to Moses is now off.

    “My fiancé left me about two months ago, today she finalized that she won’t be coming back. If you are a Jon Jones hater, have a toast, I feel like shit.”

    The timing of the post is certainly noteworthy, as it comes one day after the video of Jones’ Las Vegas arrest was made public.

    In any event, despite Jones’ recent legal woes and upended personal life, he is still expected to get his professional career back on track when he makes his anticipated heavyweight debut later this year. There is no word yet on who his opponent will be, but early signs point to a possible dream match against Stipe Miocic.

    MMA News will keep you updated if there are any additional comments from Jon Jones on this matter.

  • (Archives) Bisping: Johnny Walker Is The Biggest Threat To Jones (2019)

    Three years ago, Johnny Walker was viewed as the biggest threat to Jon Jones’ rule over the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Since the following article was written, he has gone 1-3 in his last four fights. Tonight at UFC Vegas 48, Walker will be headlining against Jamahal Hill with an opportunity to remind the world of his potential.

    The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JULY 19, 2019, 1:41 PM]

    Headlines: Michael Bisping: I Think Biggest Threat To Jon Jones Is Johnny Walker

    Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.

    UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping feels Johnny Walker may have the best shot at dethroning Jon Jones.

    Walker has been making a name for himself in a short amount of time. Walker has only had three fights in the UFC, but there’s already buzz surrounding the 27-year-old Brazilian bruiser. All three of Walker’s UFC wins have come via KO or TKO. None of those bouts made it to the two-minute mark. He’s also riding a nine-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost since June 2016.

    Bisping Says Walker Is Credible Threat To Jones

    Bisping has responded to Jones saying that Walker isn’t quite ready for a title opportunity. “The Count” agrees, but he still believes that Walker may pose the toughest challenge for “Bones.” Here’s what he had to say on his Believe You Me podcast.

    “I think the biggest threat right now to Jon Jones is Johnny Walker. I think Johnny Walker gives him a lot of problems, but I understand it from Jones’ perspective. He’s still not well-known enough to the average MMA fan. He’s had a big splash, he’s had a few big wins in very, very quick time. And in fact, he’s injured right now because he injured himself with his post-fight celebration. That’s the most damage he takes in his fights, in his own f*cking celebrations.”

    Bisping went on to talk about the benefits of not hot-shotting Walker to a title opportunity.

    “But he’s not there yet. He needs another win or two. For one I think it would be rushing Johnny Walker and potentially bringing him on a little too far, too soon. And Jones is right. Another couple more wins, put him in a co-main event, even a Fight Night main event against a big name and then all of a sudden you’ve got a real star on your hands. And then that makes the pay-per-view bigger for everybody involved. So, I agree with Jones.”

  • Archives: Mike Perry Details Night Of Drinking With Jon Jones (2018)

    Tonight, Mike Perry will compete at BKFC 2: Knucklemania against Julian Lane. If things go his way, he might hit the bars to celebrate after the event. In the following article, we get a glimpse into what it’s like to spend a night drinking with Mike Perry…and Jon Jones.

    The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JUNE 26, 2018, 2:58 PM]

    Headline: Mike Perry Details Night Of Drinking With Jon Jones

    Author: Jon Fuentes

    Mike Perry and Jon Jones aren’t just Jackson Wink teammates now, but it appears they’re drinking buddies as well.

    Platinum has since relocated from Florida to the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based mixed martial arts (MMA) gym as he prepares for his UFC 226 pay-per-view (PPV) clash with Yancy Medeiros on July 7th. Jones took the liberty of showing his new teammate around town.

    They wound up at a bowling alley where they had “like 100 shots of tequila” (via MMA Junkie):

    “He kept buying drinks, man,” Perry said on the “JW Raw” podcast. “I feel like he was buying shots and would look at me, and I would take the shot, and then he’d be like (throwing back the drink).”

    Jones and Perry would hit the town again the following night, but Bones declared that “We ain’t gotta go as hard as we did last night.”

    “I was like, ‘OK,’” Perry said. “He bought me a shot of something, and I was like, ‘Alright, I’ll take this one. Don’t buy me another one.’

    “He was buying drinks for all these people. It was like a big old shot. And I looked at him, and he’s holding his drink, and he’s putting it up to his mouth, and he tilts the cup a little bit. I see him do that, and I’m like, alright, he’s taking it.

    “So I took it, and then he goes, ‘Ah, man, I’m not even gonna.’ And I was like, ‘Aw, dang, bro! You’re getting me messed up out here!’”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bihzu3zgMo4/?utm_source=ig_embed

    What do you think about Jones and Perry getting their drink on together in Albuquerque? Let us know below!

  • White Puts Tuivasa Into HW Picture Alongside Ngannou, Miocic, & Jones

    UFC President Dana White has assessed where heavyweight contender Tai Tuivasa sits in the division following his knockout victory over Derrick Lewis.

    At UFC 271 this past weekend, two of the UFC’s hardest hitters and most prolific KO artists collided. On one side was “The Black Beast” Lewis, the promotion’s KO record holder, who was coming off a main event finish against Chris Daukaus in December. Opposite him was the rising “Bam Bam” Tuivasa, who was coming off four consecutive stoppage wins.

    Inside Houston’s Toyota Center, it was the younger and more durable Tuivasa who had his hand raised. After surviving an onslaught against the cage and firing back with his own bombs, the Australian hurt Lewis in the second round before knocking him out with a brutal elbow.

    White Expects Tuivasa To Be “Mixing It Up” With The Best

    Entering 2020, Tuivasa was on a three-fight losing skid following consecutive defeats to Junior dos Santos, Blagoy Ivanov, and Sergey Spivak, and his place in the promotion looked insecure.

    Having rebounded with victories over Stefan Struve and Harry Hunsucker, re-entered the rankings with memorable 2021 KO’s of Greg Hardy and Augusto Sakai, and now joined the elite conversation with a thunderous stoppage against two-time heavyweight title challenger Lewis, the sky appears to be the limit for “Bam Bam.”

    That’s a sentiment that was shared by Dana White at the UFC 271 press conference. When asked where the Aussie’s latest win puts him in the division, the UFC President said he expects Tuivasa to experience a heavy rise up the heavyweight ladder come the next rankings update.

    “Well, you guys are gonna rank him. But yeah, I mean, he should be top three, top five,” said White. “So wherever he shakes out in the rankings, yeah, he’ll be mixing it up with those guys.”

    Indeed, yesterday it was confirmed that Tuivasa is ranked #3 in the heavyweight division. When assessing how the title picture now shapes up, White placed Tuivasa alongside reigning champion Francis Ngannou, consensus heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic, and former two-time light heavyweight king Jon Jones.

    “We’ll see here pretty soon how this all plays out: Jones, Stipe, Francis, and Tai now, too.”

    Not bad company is it?

    From his pop classic walkouts to his post-fight shoeys to his brutal KO power, Tuivasa has captured the attention of just about every MMA fan and has grown to be perhaps the only universally loved fighter in the UFC.

    But if his latest win shows the rest of the division anything, it’s that he’s not just an entertainer who likes a beer, he’s a bona fide title contender on the hunt for gold.

    Who would you like to see Tai Tuivasa share the Octagon with next?

  • Israel Adesanya Trolls Jon Jones With Valentine’s Day Tweet

    UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya began his Valentine’s Day with a more-than-subtle jab at former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

    Adesanya is just days removed from his rematch win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 271. It was a much more competitive fight than their first matchup, but Adesanya earned the decision on the scorecards.

    Jones is preparing for a run at heavyweight in 2022, but it’s unclear when he’ll return. He’s recently teased a potential fight with Stipe Miocic for later this year.

    Adesanya and Jones have had their fair share of back-and-forths on social media, and at one point seemed on track to fight each other. Their beef has gotten personal at times, but Adesanya took things to a new level on Valentine’s Day.

    In a recent tweet, Adesanya mocked Jones’ recent run-in with the law and alleged domestic violence incident in Las Vegas.

    “Happy Valentine’s Day,” Adesanya tweeted. “It’s the thought that counts XO.”

    Jones was accused of assaulting his fiancée, Jessie Moses, in a Las Vegas casino hotel room last year just hours after the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony. The battery domestic violence charge was dismissed last December.

    Adesanya signed a new contract with the UFC leading up to his headliner at UFC 271. The exact details of the contract are unknown, but it’s been rumored to be one of the most lucrative in the promotion’s history.

    Adesanya and Jones seem to be on different paths for their Octagon returns, but a fight between them isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility down the line. If a fight between these two stars gets booked in the future, the buildup is sure to be anything but amicable.

    What is your reaction to Israel Adesanya trolling Jon Jones?

  • Quote: Jon Jones Is Too Good For Stipe Miocic Right Now

    Jon Jones has teased a 2022 bout with Stipe Miocic, but one notable figure feels Jones is out of Miocic’s league.

    For over a year, Jon Jones has been hinting at a heavyweight move. A few things have been standing in his way, including some personal issues, business issues, and having to put on weight. Now, it seems he is closer than ever to making the jump feet first into the heavyweight division.

    Jones recently hinted at a bout with former champion Stipe Miocic. Although many are very excited about this potential matchup and the prospect of seeing two of the best fight each other, one man who has a vast knowledge of the sport thinks it may be a lopsided matchup.

    John McCarthy
    Image Credit: Kevin Jairaj for USA TODAY Sports

    John McCarthy is one of the most knowledgeable men when it comes to the sport of mixed martial arts. He was an MMA referee for over 20 years and has been right in the action for some of the biggest fights in history. He has since stepped down from refereeing and hosts a podcast where he speaks about the sport with his co-host Josh Thomson.

    Here is what McCarthy said about a potential Jones/Miocic encounter at this stage of their careers:

    “I think Jon knows it [the title shot] is coming and he’s just starting to wet the whistle on it and get people’s attention towards it and that’s okay that’s what he’s supposed to [do], ” McCarthy said on his “Weighing In” Podcast (via first sportz). “Jon is too good for Stipe at this time… I love Stipe, but Stipe’s getting older, and it’s the wrestling of Stipe that usually works for him.”

    Jones vacated the light heavyweight title back in May of 2020 with the intention of moving up a division. Prior to that, he had not lost a bout since 2009.

    Many people are interested in seeing what he can do at heavyweight, especially against the likes of Francis Ngannou. However, as for Miocic, he has lost two of his last four, including the title loss to Ngannou. McCarthy feels that Miocic’s skills would not translate well against Jones.

    “He’s got the ability to, you know, to have that and have in his back pocket where you can either use it or at least threaten it, and people have to you know to fight a certain way,” McCarthy said. “He’s not going to be able to threaten it in any fashion with Jon. That’s going to cause a problem and Jon can do it in reverse to him.”

    Jones has mentioned that he is only interested in a title shot when he is ready to return. However, the problem with that is the availability of Ngannou. Ngannou is fresh off his first title defense and needs some time off for surgery.

    Ngannou and the UFC have had a rocky relationship lately, and this could be leading to an interim title situation. If that is the case, perhaps Jones vs. Miocic could fit the mold.

    Do you think Jones’ skills are too much for Miocic at this point in time?

  • Archives: Jon Jones Dispels Israel Adesanya Comparisons (2019)

    The following story was published on this day three years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Three Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 6, 2019, 9:11 PM]

    Headline: Jon Jones Dispels Israel Adesanya Comparisons

    Israel Adesanya has been receiving a lot of comparisons to his upcoming opponent, Anderson Silva, as of late. However, there’s also another name he has been compared to quite often recently. That name being UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

    Speaking to the UFC recently, Jones addressed the recent comparisons to “Stylebender”. Other than their frame and the color of their skin, Jones doesn’t really believe there are too many similarities (via MMA Mania):

    “We have similar body types and we’re both black,” Jones said. “And that’s about it. I don’t think we fight alike, I don’t think we fight similar. I do a lot of wrestling, heavy ground-and-pound, a lot of submissions – I strike in both stances, I feel like our games are very different.

    “But I do respect him, a lot. I think he is going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is great for the sport, great talker and he finishes fights. He is a very exciting young man.”

    Adesanya will take on Silva in the co-main event of this weekend’s (Sat. February 9, 2019) UFC 234 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. As for Jones, he will be defending his championship in the main event of UFC 235. That PPV goes down from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 2, 2019.

    What do you think about Jones’ reaction to comparisons to Adesanya?

  • Jon Jones Teases LHW GOAT vs. HW GOAT Matchup

    Jon Jones says he’s “down” to face the heavyweight GOAT.

    Jon Jones has long established that he intends on making his heavyweight debut at some point this year. The question now is: who will it be against?

    Following the outcome of the UFC 270 main event, the answer to that question would be the same around most circles as its been for the past 13 months: Francis Ngannou. With Ngannou retaining the undisputed heavyweight championship last month, many believe there’s no question that a Jones/Ngnanou pairing is the fight to make.

    Things took a turn, however, when it was revealed that Ngannou would be needing to go under the knife to repair damage to his injured right knee. The champion is expected to be sidelined for approximately nine months following surgery, which leaves Jones without an ideal target for his long-anticipated heavyweight debut—or does it?

    Jon Jones Asks Fans Who Wants To See Him vs. The HW GOAT

    According to Jones himself, he is already prepared for his next fight and has just the opponent in mind.

    “The greatest heavyweight of all-time versus the greatest light heavyweight, who wants to see it? I’m game”

    While Jones did not mention Miocic by name, the former heavyweight king has been considered to be the consensus GOAT of the division for years now, especially among UFC pundits.

    Also, as someone who has demonstrated how closely he is following current happenings in the division, Jones must be aware that Ngannou is sidelined. Some, including Jones’ former foe Daniel Cormier, have proposed an interim title fight between Jones and Miocic while Ngannou is out.

    A dream fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic has been teased for years, including by Jones himself. Two years ago, Jones sent out a very similar tweet asking about fan interest for a potential fight between him and Miocic. He would later admit to just goofing around without any real intentions of making that fight happen at that point in time.

    Last August, UFC President Dana White had the idea of pitting Jones and Miocic against one another, but Jones shut that down in a hurry. Later that year, his former coach Mike Winkeljohn expanded on this disinterest, stating that Jones wanted a bigger challenge and that a bout against Miocic, who had just been knocked out by Ngannou, was not exciting for “Bones.”

    Jones sounds plenty excited now, though, and the fan interest in the matchup is a no-brainer. That leaves the cards in the hands of Stipe Miocic and the UFC.

    Miocic has been more than welcoming of the idea of fighting Jones in the past and, as mentioned, the UFC has been open to the booking as well. Plus, Miocic is rumored to be holding out for a title shot, so if this bout were made for the interim heavyweight title, that would make the matchup even more appetizing for both fighters.

    All things considered, 2022 may just be the year that fight fans finally witness the dream match between the consensus light heavyweight and heavyweight GOATs.

    Are you down for a Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic showdown this year?

  • Archives: Sonnen Says Jon Jones Is Being “Falsely Disparaged” (2019)

    It is no secret Chael Sonnen has historically been one of Jon Jones’ biggest critics. The two have been in conflict, mostly on social media, for years now. In 2019, shortly after Jones had competed at UFC 232 despite atypical test findings, Sonnen would actually come to Jones’ defense—sort of.

    The following article was published on this day three years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JANUARY 30, 2019, 3:18 PM]

    Headline: Chael Sonnen Says Jon Jones Is Being “Falsely Disparaged”

    Author: Jon Fuentes

    There has been a ton of controversy surrounding UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. “Bones” has been engulfed in criticism for his drug testing issues over the past several years.

    Recently, Jones forced an entire pay-per-view (PPV) event to be moved to a different state. Jones was suspended in 2017 after testing positive for a banned substance. After his suspension was served, he returned last month against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232.

    Initially, the fight was slated to go down from Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Jones again tested positive for traces of the same substance he was suspended for in 2017. It was determined that Jones did not re-ingest anything illegal, but this was instead a pulsing effect. This was not enough for the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to grant him a license to fight at UFC 232. Thus, the promotion moved the event to California.

    Jones defeated Gustafsson via third-round TKO to capture the vacant 205-pound title. Recently, the NSAC granted Jones a conditional one-fight license to defend his title in Vegas on March 2nd. He’ll face Anthony Smith in the main event of UFC 235 from the T-Mobile Arena. One man who knows a thing or two about Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) is Chael Sonnen.

    Sonnen has admitted to using PEDs in the past and has served a suspension for doing so. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, Sonnen believes Jones is being “falsely disparaged” for having retaken a banned substance (Bloody Elbow):

    “I am seeing Jon falsely disparaged for having retaken banned substances. That’s not true. The conclusion and the analysis is accurate that this is residue that is left over,” Sonnen said.

    “My conclusion and analysis that he was under-punished …. I’m just a guy looking at the rules that understands that on your second violation, you have a minimum of two years.

    “Had they gone through that, we wouldn’t be in this spot (because there would no longer be turinabol residue in his system).

    What do you think about Sonnes’s comments on the Jones situation?

  • Report: Jon Jones’ Advisor To Meet With UFC This Weekend About Return

    The first step towards the return of Jon Jones could be this weekend.

    The former light heavyweight champion’s advisor recently revealed to The Sun that he will meet with the UFC this weekend to discuss his client’s potential return.

    Advisor Richard Schaefer said he will meet with the promotion in the coming days in Los Angeles.

    Schaefer will be discussing the options for Jones’ return. Jones has been out of the cage for nearly two years now, with his last fight dating back to February 2020.

    Schafer has big plans for Jones’ return, hoping to get him in the title picture when he comes back.

    “He is willing, ready, and able to fight whoever we can get for the heavyweight title,” said Schaefer.

    Jones’ advisor is open to many options for his first fight back. While he would prefer to get him a fight against Francis Ngannou, he thinks the current champion’s contractual issues and recent injury could stop that fight from happening.

    “I think Francis Ngannou has some issues. One side is contractual. How’s that going to play out?” said Schaefer. “But then he has, as I understand as well, possibly the need for an operation because of his torn ligaments.”

    Ngannou won last weekend, defending his heavyweight belt against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Ngannou’s team has since stated that he is set to undergo a knee surgery due to injuries he sustained in training. They estimate he will be out of action for nine months.

    Jones is recognized as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. He has only lost once through 27 pro fights, with that defeat coming through a controversial disqualification in 2009.

    Do you want to see Jon Jones in his return? If so, who would you want to see him face?

  • Blaydes: I’m The Worst Stylistic Matchup For Jones At Heavyweight

    UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes believes he’s the worst stylistic matchup in the division for former 205-pound king Jon Jones.

    Blaydes has long been a top name in the UFC’s heaviest weight class. Since his debut in 2016, “Razor” has built a 10-3 (one NC) record that includes victories over Aleksei Oleinik, Mark Hunt, Alistair Overeem, Alexander Volkov, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

    In his 19-fight professional career, Blaydes has only fallen to defeat against two men, Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis, the two hardest hitters in the UFC, if not the entirety of MMA. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that Blaydes is confident in his abilities, so much so that he feels he’d provide the toughest matchup for former UFC light heavyweight champion Jones at heavyweight.

    Speaking exclusively with MMA News, Blaydes discussed Jones’ impending arrival in the division, the power of Ngannou and Lewis, and his plans for 2022.

    After a second reign atop the light heavyweight mountain, which included defenses against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Dominick Reyes, Jones vacated the belt in order to pursue a fresh challenge: title success at heavyweight. But since his last fight at 205 pounds in February 2020, “Bones” has remained on the sidelines.

    Fans are hoping 2022 is the year Jones returns, and given his latest comments and his consistent heavyweight transformation updates on social media, it appears the veteran is still targeting a new dose of championship glory.

    With Jones potentially joining him on the heavyweight ladder this year, Blaydes has given his take on the potential matchups that could await the GOAT contender. “Razor” told James Lynch that he sees himself as the toughest stylistic matchup for Jones, simply because of the different looks he’ll bring to the Octagon.

    “Stylistically? Honestly, I think it’s me, because I’m gonna involve the grappling,” Blaydes told MMA News. “I’m not saying I’m the best matchup, but I think I’m offering more different looks. Like, when he goes against an (Francis) Ngannou, or a Stipe (Miocic), or a (Ciryl) Gane, or a Derrick Lewis, he knows they’re all just gonna strike with him. He knows that. He knows that if he stays on the outside, which he’s very good at, people, they don’t know how to get past the long reach of his. The best way to get past it is to get into the clinch. But these guys don’t want it.

    “Derrick Lewis doesn’t wanna clinch, Ngannou doesn’t wanna clinch; they’re looking for the knockout. He’s not gonna give you the opportunity from distance to knock him out,” added Blaydes. “So, I think if he went against those guys he’d just pick them apart from the outside. Me? He’s gonna have to worry about every time he throws a leg kick, am I gonna grab it? And he’s gonna be a little bit more hesitant. Everyone does that. Whenever I fight anyone, like Volkov, Junior (dos Santos), even Jairzinho; we always expect them to be a lot more aggressive, and they’re not. Because we always forget they don’t wanna get taken down.”

    Jones Targets Heavyweight Debut In 2022

    After Ngannou’s title crowing at UFC 260 last March, the biggest fight in the promotion seemed to be a clash between “The Predator” and Jones. But after a public pay dispute saw the matchup collapse, Jones spent the entirety of 2021 on the sidelines.

    At the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in September, Jones provided an encouraging update, suggesting he was targeting his divisional debut for the second quarter of 2022. That led many to believe Jones would challenge the victor of the UFC 270 main event for the gold.

    With that pay-per-view taking place this past weekend and seeing Ngannou successfully defend his title against former teammate Gane, the stage seems once again set for the former light heavyweight kingpin to take on the Cameroonian powerhouse.

    For both men to reach the cage, it appears a number of things will need to happen. First and foremost is Ngannou’s contract. With his dispute with the UFC ongoing, it’s unclear what the future will hold for the champion, with some even suggesting he could sit out the remainder of his contract and pursue a move to boxing in 2023.

    Similarly, uncertainty still appears to surround Jones’ next appearance, with UFC President Dana White claiming he’s not confident in saying Jones will fight for the title next. He even suggested a return to the Octagon as a 205lber is a possibility.

    Nevertheless, Jones seems as eager as ever to pursue his goals, something that’s an enticing prospect for MMA fans, who haven’t seen Jones in action for nearly two years.

    Do you think Jon Jones has what it takes to win championship gold at heavyweight?