5 reasons why Jon Jones' move to heavyweight could end in failure

Jon Jones looks set to make his long-awaited move to heavyweight, but will it end in success or failure?

According to reports this week, it looks like former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ move to heavyweight is finally on. It’s been suggested he’ll be facing former heavyweight kingpin Stipe Miocic in September.

Stipe is saying that he will be at his absolute peak in September. I’m disappointed but patient, I want the heavyweight goat at his absolute best. I’ll wait until September. No excuses

Jon Jones’ move to heavyweight has been talked about for a long time now. Can ‘Bones’ really make a successful run in the heavier division, or will he find things harder than he might imagine?

Until we see him step into the octagon, it’s honestly hard to say. Unfortunately for Jones, there could be a handful of issues that might hold him back.

With that in mind, here are five reasons why Jon Jones’ move to the heavyweight division could be destined for failure.

#5. Jon Jones might’ve left his move to heavyweight too late

Jones has not fought for well over two years, with his last bout against Dominick Reyes coming in 2020

Despite former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz's claims, ring rust is a very real issue for any fighter who takes time away from the octagon, whether their absence comes via injury, suspension or a self-imposed hiatus.

In that sense, there’s a definite chance that Jon Jones has simply left his move to the heavyweight division too late. He may have been away for too long to come back in any kind of strong form.

Jones hasn’t fought since his final UFC light heavyweight title defense against Dominick Reyes, way back in February 2020.

⏰ WE GO THE FULL 25 MINUTES. WHAT. A. FIGHT.

Has Reyes done enough to dethrone Jones? Sound off! ⬇️ #UFC247 https://t.co/iO9kiCHaai

Since that time, there have been nearly 100 UFC events, and both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles have changed hands twice.

Essentially, in the world of the UFC, time stops for no man, even an all-time great like ‘Bones’. If his planned fight with Stipe Miocic does go down in September, it’ll be nearly three years since he stepped into the octagon. Miocic, meanwhile, will be returning from a lengthy layoff of his own. It’s hard to imagine Jones being able to get right back into the groove.

The truth is that had Jones simply moved up to heavyweight in the summer of 2020 as he initially planned – rather than get into a spat with the UFC over his pay – he might’ve found success. As it is, there’s a definite chance he’s left things too late.