Dana White says Jon Jones will ‘for positive’ battle subsequent yr
The lengthy awaited octagon return of former UFC mild heavyweight champion Jon Jones is correct across the nook in line with UFC president Dana White.
Jones final fought in February 2020, defeating Dominick Reyes by unanimous determination at UFC 247. Six months later Jones vacated the 205-pound championship and introduced his intents to maneuver as much as the heavyweight division to chase a title in a second division.
In keeping with Jones and White, “Bones” has been able to battle because the summer season. Rumor swirled that he’d faces former champion Stipe Miocic for an interim belt whereas champion Francis Ngannou recovered from knee surgical procedure.
On October 25, Jones posted on social media that he was getting ready to face Miocic on December 10 at UFC 282.
“I’m getting ready to battle Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not likely positive what’s occurring between Stipe and the UFC however I’m able to compete! I’m going to manage what I can and keep in form,” Jones wrote on Twitter.
I’m getting ready to battle Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not likely positive what’s occurring between Stipe and the UFC however I’m able to compete! I’m going to manage what I can and keep in form. https://t.co/3Ouu9Xk8Ns
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2022
White refuted Jones’ declare in the course of the UFC 281 Post-Fight Press Conference on Saturday, saying a battle between Jones and Miocic was by no means within the works. He additionally expects to see Jones again in motion within the first quarter of 2023.
“Jon Jones will battle subsequent yr, for positive,” White stated. “We by no means had a Stipe – Jon Jones battle. He’s going to battle subsequent yr.”
With the timeframe for Jones pushed again to subsequent yr, it seems the battle promotion is angling for a match between Jones and Ngannou. White confirmed that Jones preventing for the heavyweight championship could be the best choice.
“I believe Jon Jones would be the subsequent battle at heavyweight (towards) hopefully Francis,” stated White.
