If it’s up to Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight champ will make his highly-anticipated Octagon return before the end of the year.
Jones revealed Tuesday via Twitter that he is training to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 282 on Dec. 10. “Bones” also indicated that any potential holdup isn’t coming from his side.
“I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas,” Jones wrote. “Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape.”
Jones hasn’t fought since defending his 205-pound belt with a five-round verdict over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020. The now 35-year-old engaged in a very public dispute with the promotion over money for a potential heavyweight return during his absence, but it appears those issues have been resolved. Jones is regarded by many as the greatest light heavyweight of all-time and the only blemishes on his resume in 28 career appearances are a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill and a no contest against Daniel Cormier due to a failed drug test.
Mioicic, meanwhile, last appeared at UFC 260 in March 2021, when he relinquished the heavyweight strap to Francis Ngannou in a second-round knockout loss. His three consecutive defenses of the crown are still a record for the heavyweight division. The 40-year-old firefighter has been relatively quiet on social media but has recently posted a couple videos of him training, potentially for a UFC return.
UFC 282 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and as it currently stands, would be headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira.
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