Jon Jones, the UFC Heavyweight Champion, shared a picture of himself back in training following his recent injury troubles.
Bones has not fought since stopping Ciryl Gane last year via first-round submission at UFC 285. The win secured him the vacant title after being away for three years. Jones was set to defend his belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last year. However, Bones pulled out after injuring his pectoral muscle in sparring.
Jones’ Return
He underwent surgery with a view to fighting this year. He did suffer another setback when he underwent further surgery on his elbow. Tom Aspinall, the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, wanted Jones stripped so he could fight Miocic for the belt. Dana White refused to entertain the idea, leaving Aspinall and the MMA fans with no choice but to wait for Jones’ return. Now, it seems he could be on his way back soon.
It is not clear when Jones will make a return. However, Jones has been making headlines since his absence. A Drug-Free Sport employee alleged that the fighter had threatened to kill her when she and a fellow employee went to test the fighter. There were suggestions that Jones may have been drunk. Jones later released security footage showing him taking the two to their car, as all seemed well. Further reports emerged that Jones had been arrested for threatening the woman, which never happened. Jones will be keen on returning as soon as possible to focus on the fight game.
McGregor vs Chandler
Elsewhere, the undercard for Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler for UFC 303 has been announced. The clash occurs on June 29, as both fighters have their first contest since losing to their common opponent, Dustin Poirier. McGregor lost at UFC 264 in 2021, breaking his leg. Chandler suffered his defeat in 2022, losing at UFC 281. Current reports suggest that tickets could cost up to $12,000 as the anticipation of seeing McGregor return is building.
To attract the most people to tune in, the UFC has announced the following fights. The co-main event will see Jamahal Hill fight Khalil Rountree Jr. at light heavyweight. Hill is looking to bounce immediately following his first-round KO defeat against Alex Pereira at UFC 300. Roundtree is in impressive form, having stopped his last fight opponent, Anthony Smith, in his previous bout. Four of those wins have come by way of stoppage.
Mayra Bueno Silva also takes on Macy Chiasson at bantamweight. Silva is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 297. Meanwhile, Chiasson stopped Pannie Kianzad by submission last month.
Cub Swanson faces Andre Fili in a featherweight clash, while Joe Pyfer takes on Marc-Andre Barriault in a middleweight bout. In addition, Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Gillian Robertson square off in a strawweight bout.
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