Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Jon Jones has been talking more and more about a potential move up to Heavyweight as of late, sparking rumors that “Bones” could be nearing the end of his Light Heavyweight run. Or at least put it on pause.
Set to face off against Dominick Reyes this Saturday night (Feb. 8, 2020) at UFC 247 in Houston, Texas, Jon is looking to collect title defense number 11 with a victory, inching him closer to a complete wipe out of the 205-pound weight class.
Thanks to his stellar run, “Bones” currently sits at the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. Still, Jones feels the only way to completely solidify his place there is to win the 265-pound title.
“In order to put a lot of this pound-for-pound, who’s the greatest to rest, I am going to have to maybe obtain a second belt in a second weight class. I think that will really set me apart from a lot of the guys. So the move is inevitable,” said Jones during a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take.
“I am only getting better as a professional. I think I’m at a place, and I got the team around me that can get me to that weight class in a safe and healthy way. I’m excited or when it does happen. I see nothing but good things. I’ve been competing against my brothers my whole life, who are both bigger than me, both super world champions. I feel like I’m ready for that weight.”
For Jon, the transition should be easy, as he is one of the bigger Light Heavyweight’s in the game, and says moving up from a division that has men who are faster than your normal Heavyweight but with just as much power, should make for a smooth transition.
“Light Heavyweight fighters, we are truly the most versatile; while being strong and fast and athletic, it’s the most dangerous weight class in my opinion,” he added.
“Guys are big enough to knock you out, but still athletic enough and agile enough to do some really extraordinary things. It’s a tough weight class. So in a way, me moving up to Heavyweight could be easier for me because I’m just used to a faster paced of fighting.”
Of course, there have been several other men — and one woman — to win titles in two separate weight classes, including former 265-pound and 205-pound champion, Daniel Cormier. But since “Bones” has two wins over “DC,” he holds the top spot over the former Olympian.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 247 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+/Fight Pass “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
For the rest of the UFC 247 fight card and line up click here.