Jon Jones is getting ready for his return.
It’s been over a year since we last saw Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Heavyweight champion in action. “Bones” won the heaviest division’s title at UFC 285 when he submitted Ciryl Gane with a first round guillotine choke (watch highlights) in March 2023.
Jones, 36, was supposed to make his first title defense at UFC 295 in November 2023. Lined up to battle former two-time champion, Stipe Miocic, Jones, unfortunately, suffered a torn pectoral muscle. Despite the delay, Miocic has held out for the title opportunity, which UFC CEO, Dana White, has maintained he’ll oblige. Jones has now hinted at the promotion’s November return to Madison Square Garden in New York City as the date the match up will be rebooked.
“260 pounds 16 weeks away from fighting the most decorated Heavyweight in UFC history,” Jones said on Instagram. “I feel like I’m in a great spot right before training camp ramps up. My form is far from perfect in these videos, but I’m happy with it considering the surgeries I recently had. 16 more weeks to become the beast , that’s exactly what I will do. #Champion2024.
“Tomorrow I’ll be 37 years old, still in the gym, still putting my health on the line, still competing in one of the worlds most difficult sports. I’m proud of myself. [nerd emoji]” he concluded.
Before Jones or Miocic return, the interim Heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, will defend his title against Curtis Blaydes in a rematch at UFC 304 next weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024). Aspinall has fought eight times to Jones and Miocic’s combined two fights since he started his UFC career in July 2020 (7-1, 14-3 overall).