All that Jon Jones can do right now is prepare for a potential clash with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The promotion seems reluctant to pay for the former light heavyweight king to put his legacy on the line against “Predator” so Jones is left to play the waiting game.
As he awaits UFC’s best offer, “Bones” is hellbent on becoming the most dangerous heavyweight fighter that he can be. While Jones was a physical force at 205 pounds he was never the most powerful or muscular fighter in the division. He typically let his skill, athleticism and length do the talking.
With the light heavyweight division in his rearview Jones is looking to reinvent himself at the heavyweight level. This has included strenuous workouts, significant weight gain, and tailoring his skill set to be effective against bigger and stronger foe. In fact, Jones is doing whatever he can in training to be as big as Ngannou for when the two heavyweights finally clash.
“Right now, we’re just training. We’re training and just focusing on things we can control, which is being in the best shape and I think me just getting in shape sells the fight even more. People want to see two titans and Francis is already a titan and I’m trying to become a titan. I want to look like a titan,” Jones told Fight Hype. “I want to be the same size as this guy if not bigger when we get out there. I’ve got a lot of work to do. Hopefully, the fight happens. We’ve just got to stay focused, stay training, and see what the UFC is going to do on their part.”
While it’s difficult to imagine Jones stepping foot inside of the Octagon for his heavyweight debut and actually being bigger than Ngannou, never doubt the former UFC champion. Jones comes from a family full of professional athletes and has all the ingredients to mold his body into a heavyweight killing machine.
That said, Ngannou is no ordinary heavyweight. He’s the most destructive force in the division in quite some time and can turn anyone’s lights off with one punch, including Jones. It will be up to “Bones” to fine tune his training and become the most effective weapon against “Predator.”
“It feels awesome to train heavy. Good to eat whatever I want, obviously I’m on a great diet right now but get to eat tons of food, a lot of rest,” Jones said. “Right now, I’m just living like a total athlete. I’m excited to compete at my full potential going in there without a weight cut. I have two brothers that are really big boys and I feel like this is the guy I was supposed to be the whole time.”
What do you think, fight fans? Should Jones try to become as big as Ngannou? Will his move up to heavyweight end up backfiring?
Let us know in the comments below!