Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is, once more, teasing his heavyweight debut. Jones’ self-proclaimed pursuit of UFC heavyweight greatness has, like much of his career, been tainted by repeated run-ins with the law, including, most recently, allegations of domestic violence. Jones wants to take on former heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic, and although a tentative July date was proposed, that looks unlikely.
Ariel Helwani posted on Instagram that July is “too soon”.
Jon Jones Teases UFC Heavyweight Debut Against Stipe Miocic This Year
“Jon Jones advisor Richard Schaefer told me they are in dialogue with the UFC and ‘working’ on his return but wouldn’t divulge much else. July 2 is way too soon, though, so don’t count on that. Especially if Stipe Miocic is involved. I can’t see that fight happening so soon.”
Jon Jones has not competed since UFC 247 two years ago. With a September fight looking like if Jones vs Miocic is going ahead, we may well see yet another UFC interim heavyweight champion, particularly as reigning champ Francis Ngannou is out of action with a knee injury – which is to say nothing of Ngannou’s ongoing public contract dispute with the UFC.
Back in 2020, Jones’ then-striking coach, Mike Winkeljohn, said Jones would beat Miocic “everywhere”. “It’s a tough one. Stipe is a great striker, so strong everywhere and he’s real smart. I saw the way he was controlling some of the heavyweights on the ground. He’s smart about what he does.
But, I think Jon beats him in every one of those aspects. When Jon puts his mind to it, Jon beats everybody at wrestling, he beats everybody at stand up, he beats everybody everywhere and always ends up having a bloody show when things go right.”
Whether that’s still the case remains to be seen. Jon Jones has not fought in two years, and at 35, his age may well be catching up with him. Athletic peaks last longer these days, particularly in the heavier weight divisions where pure knockout power is enough to keep fighters in the rankings. A look at Derrick Lewis, who at 37 years old was contending for a UFC interim title, is enough to prove that.
Of course, Jon Jones is no Derrick Lewis. Few fighters, Tai Tuivasa notwithstanding, have the kind of explosive power boasted by the “Black Beast”. Jones’ move up to 265 pounds has not been without issue, and his return to the UFC is still unconfirmed.
Do you think Jon Jones will ever fight at heavyweight? If he takes on Stipe Miocic, which way do you see the fight going? Let us know in the comments.
