UFC president Dana White is hopeful to get Jon Jones again within the octagon this summer season, and he sees Stipe Miocic because the main candidate for his opponent.
Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC), a former multitime UFC mild heavyweight champion, hasn’t fought since February 2020. He’s been plotting a transfer as much as the heavyweight division for almost all of the time since, however contract disputes, legal trouble and extra have stored him out of the cage.
It seems a Jones comeback combat is looming, nevertheless, as White told TMZ that he has the need to guide Jones within the coming months – with Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) being the perfect opponent.
“I used to be simply telling any individual the opposite day, our lineup for this summer season is unimaginable,” White stated. “So I’m hoping Jon Jones goes to be a part of that lineup this summer season. … Stipe is smart.”
An individual near the state of affairs, who spoke on the situation of anonymity, informed MMA Junkie that Miocic was not too long ago provided an interim heavyweight championship bout towards Jones at UFC 276 on July 2 in Las Vegas. Whether or not Miocic agrees to the phrases and Jones can come to an settlement with the promotion, that continues to be to be seen.
The UFC intends to implement an interim belt regardless, although, since reigning heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is predicted to be sidelined for seemingly the remainder of 2022 after undergoing knee surgery. He’s additionally been public about his personal contract dispute with the promotion.
Championship motion at heavyweight has been idle since Ngannou’s title protection over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January, however White’s feedback point out the state of affairs might be progressing.
