Jon Jones has offered a little more insight into what might be delaying his rumored matchup against former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
Jones appeared on the UFC Fight Pass broadcast for CES MMA 68 in Fargo, N.D., and discussed a potential date and location for his heavyweight debut. The ex-light heavyweight king was at the event to accompany training partner Maurice Greene.
“I heard originally it’d be July,” Jones said. “I think when Stipe got that date, I’ve heard he’s been doing a lot of weightlifting and not a lot of MMA training. He wanted to put his best foot forward. I respect that. He’s a great champion. He deserves that. I think he asked for Sept. 24. I’m hoping that’s going to be in Las Vegas.
I’ve been training about three times a day for about two years. I’m this close, why not wait a little bit longer? I’m excited for September."
Jones' representative Richard Schaefer recently stated that September is the longest Jones would fight, and the opponent wouldn’t matter as long as an interim heavyweight title was at stake. The UFC has not publicly announced Sept. 24 as a date for an event.
“Bones” has not competed since a five-round verdict over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020 in what was his last light heavyweight title defense. After being arrested for an alleged domestic violence last year — the charge was ultimately dismissed — Jones parted ways with his gym Jackson-Wink MMA. He remains based in Albuquerque, N.M., however.
“I decided to do my own thing and separate from Jackson Wink,” Jones said. “I started training at the original Jackson’s building. I’m just accumulating heavyweights from really all over the country. I had Yorgan De Castro come out. I had Mike Rodriguez come out, who’s going to be fighting on you guys’ next card. We’ve got Maurice Greene, who’s on you guys’ card. Just a lot of heavyweights.
“Everyone is welcome to come down to Albuquerque and get some good work in. It’s just been great. It’s been great giving back to the sport, sharing my knowledge. It’s been great kind of coaching more. I love it. I’m very happy giving back. It just feels right and I freaking love it.”
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