Jon Jones has detailed his future with the UFC.
Before making his heavyweight debut, ‘Bones’ wanted to restructure his contract to ensure he was paid what he’s worth. After months of negotiation, the former UFC light heavyweight champion reached an agreement with the promotion, leading to his next fight being scheduled against Ciryl Gane.
After announcing a new partnership with the Kanpai Pandas, Jones joined a Twitter space with the NFT company and discussed his new contract saying:
“Oh yeah, it sure did. I had eight fights left on my contract, I just wasn’t happy with my percentages. We just increased the salary and pretty much pick up where I left off with my commitment to the UFC. Hopefully I can get past eight fights, that’s a lot of fighting at 35 years old. We’ll see.”
Jon Jones rarely gives interviews these days, but his recently announced partnership with the Kanpai Pandas seemed to make him feel comfortable with the opening. ‘Bones’ was asked who would be next if he beats Gane at UFC 285. The 35-year-old heavyweight responded by saying:
“I have my eyes on Stipe Miocic. I think it means the most. There are a lot of guys out there, but for me personally, because of my legacy, beating the greatest heavyweight of all time, it means a lot to me… As far as how soon, I hope to get out of this fight with no major injuries, but i would like to get [back] out there as soon as possible. My goal is between two and three fights, depending on how it looks.”
Before concentrating on what’s next, Jones has a tough test ahead of him. ‘Bones’ has yet to fight at heavyweight, and is jumping into deep water against a former interim champion. Gane is building on the momentum of his third-round KO against Tai Tuivasa and believes his heavyweight experience will pay off at UFC 285.
Take a look at Jon Jones announcing his new partnership below:
Jon Jones details the struggles of transforming his body for heavyweight
Love him or hate him, Jon Jones made the right decision in taking his time preparing for heavyweight. He last fought in February 2020 and has spent the last three years transforming his body. During the same Twitter space, Jones had this to say about his preparations for the new division:
“One of the hardest things was not being able to lose my form while trying to put on 40 pounds. I think when fans see me, they’ll be surprised that I still look a lot like I used to. [although] my shoulders are much wider, unfortunately I gained a lot of butt, but I just try to keep that form and do it the right way.”
Jon Jones has a lot of questions to answer on March 4. The 35-year-old needs to show that he’s still just as dangerous at heavyweight, especially after a long layoff. With that being said, fans and analysts cannot forget that ‘Bones’ is arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
If he can emerge victorious against Ciryl Gane, the former UFC light heavyweight champion would add another achievement to his legendary career.