The light heavyweight division will have to wait a little longer to see Jon Jones in action. That’s according to UFC President Dana White, who confirmed that Stipe Miocic has accepted a fight against former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Speaking to the Full Send podcast, White said: “Me and Jones have had that type of relationship his whole career. When he’s ready to fight we are ready to go. He’s talking about fighting at heavyweight.
Dana White Confirms Miocic Accepted Jon Jones Fight
But, in the heavyweight division right now we are going back to Houston, Derrick Lewis is taking on Ciryl Gane and whoever wins that fight will fight Francis Ngannou.
Whoever wins that fight, if Jon Jones wants to come back he can fight one of them. Or, he can fight Stipe Miocic. Stipe has accepted that fight and will take that fight.”
Jon Jones wants a title shot as soon as possible, but with Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis in the mix this weekend, he’ll have to wait a while. Jones isn’t exactly at the front of the queue for a heavyweight title shot considering his inactivity and the way he vacated the light heavyweight title.
Stipe Miocic, former heavyweight champion, is probably Jones’ best path to a heavyweight title. If Jon Jones can put on enough mass to seriously compete with the behemoths at 265 pounds, he’ll be a dangerous man. Jon Jones is still the #1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter despite his long period of inactivity, testament to his ability inside the Octagon.
The weight limit of the light heavyweight division in which Jones has previously competed is 205lbs, which is a full sixty pounds lighter than the heavyweights Jon Jones will be taking on at the top. However, it’s not unheard of for lighter fighters to compete in, and even dominate heavier ones. Mike Tyson was only five foot ten and 99kg, facing giants well over six foot.
Deontay Wilder, at 96kg, knocked out men well over 110kg. It’s possible that Jones won’t have to put on the entire sixty pounds, although he’ll still need to bulk up significantly to challenge the likes of Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane.
For that, he’ll need time, and Dana agrees. “He’s not fighting until next year.” White finished. Do you want to see Jones v Miocic next year? Who will win? Let us know in the comments.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
