UFC's Jon Jones Eyeing UFC Heavyweight Debut at 270 Pounds vs. Ngannou or Gane

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones said Thursday he continues to prepare for a potential debut at heavyweight against the winner of the likely unification bout between champion Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane.

Jones told ESPN's Marc Raimondi he's working to stabilize his weight around 270 pounds and he'd then drop five pounds ahead of the weigh-in to reach the heavyweight limit of 265. That's a 60-pound increase from the light heavyweight limit of 205.

"Going from light heavyweight to heavyweight is like jumping three weight classes," Jones said. "I just want to do it right."

Jones hasn't fought since UFC 247 in February 2020 when he beat Dominick Reyes to defend the light heavyweight title. He vacated the belt last August.

The 34-year-old New York native told Raimondi he's focused on making sure his body is on par with fighters who own more experience in the heavyweight division.

"I just don't want to feel smaller than any of the guys," Jones said. "I want to be more conditioned, more skilled and just as strong, if not the strongest guy."

After conquering the light heavyweight division, it always made sense for one of the best fighters in UFC history to take on a new challenge. Being able to dominate at heavyweight would be significant in terms of Jones building his case in the greatest of all time conversation.

While he's aiming for an immediate title fight, UFC President Dana White suggested a clash with Stipe Miocic might be the promotion's first choice for Jones' heavyweight debut.

Jones said he's "open to ideas" but noted he'd like a chance to prove himself in a championship fight right away, potentially in the second quarter of 2022, per Raimondi.

"I will admit Francis is a bigger one when it comes to the financial side," Jones said. "But it's all good. I want the belt, really. I want the belt. I want big money."

He's still one of the UFC's biggest draws despite the extended layoff, so the big payday should come regardless of who his comeback fight is against.

That said, having Jones fight for the heavyweight title without any experience in the division would be quite a spectacle and give him a chance to make a major statement.

The situation should become more clear once the date for the expected Ngannou vs. Gane bout is finalized.