- Jon Jones is said to be “in dialogue” with the UFC for a December return
- “Bones'” potential opponent is likely to be either Francis Ngannou or Stipe Miocic
UFC fans have been waiting to see Jon Jones back in action inside the octagon. The former light heavyweight champion has been out for more than two years now and has decided to move up to heavyweight in his return. UFC president Dana White president previously said that an interim title bout could be what’s next for Jones given reigning heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is still recovering from injury.
A recent report stated that Jones could be making his UFC return in December but he opponent is still yet to be known.
“Bones” is back
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported Jones is now “in dialogue” with the UFC for potential main event bout on Dec. 10. Jones’ team is rooting for a title fight with Ngannou but if not possible, former heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic is “option 2.” However, nothing is concrete at this point.
“UFC has been in dialogue with Jon Jones’ team about fighting in the main event on Dec. 10, sources say. I’m told Jones wants in…Initial hope was Ngannou x Jones but given Ngannou’s knee recovery + contract status = a long shot. Option 2 is Miocic. But that’s not close to done,” Helwani wrote.
UFC has been in dialogue with Jon Jones’ team about fighting in the main event on Dec. 10, sources say. I’m told Jones wants in.
Initial hope was Ngannou x Jones but given Ngannou’s knee recovery + contract status = a long shot. Option 2 is Miocic. But that’s not close to done.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 14, 2022
More like Stipe
It’s safe to say Jones surely wouldn’t pass up on an immediate title shot against Ngannou. But from the looks of it, all signs seem to point to Miocic.
Despite the mutual interest to take on Jones, Ngannou’s knee rehabilitation is becoming an issue. Like Helwani’s report, “The Predator” has also been having quite a drama with the UFC regarding his contract. Also, White has already admitted in the past that a Miocic vs. Jones fight “makes sense.”
Will we finally see the heavyweight Jones make his way to the octagon? Let’s wait and see.