5 reasons why the UFC needs Jon Jones' return
Jon Jones is arguably the greatest fighter in MMA history. For most of his career, 'Bones' looked like an unstoppable force inside the octagon. His dynamic striking arsenal froze his opponents, while his overpowering Greco-Roman wrestling skills enabled him to dictate his bouts.
Unfortunately, it's been nearly three years since the former 205'er fought under the UFC banner. In 2020, Jon Jones vacated his light heavyweight title before announcing his intention to pursue success in a division that he'd been aiming to fight in for years: heavyweight.
But 'Bones' is yet to make his debut at 265 lbs. While he's scheduled to face Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285, some are of the opinion that they won't believe that he's returned until they see him inside the octagon. Jon Jones must honor his return, and the UFC needs him more than anyone.
#5. The UFC's other stars have issues
With the exception of a few other stars like Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones is the UFC's most reliable PPV draw. He is a very well-known name, and his absence from the sport has only made fans even more eager for his return bout.
Jorge Masvidal is being accused of attacking his UFC rival Colby Covington and causing him to suffer a brain injury, according to court documents obtained by @MarcRaimondi.
The alleged attack occurred March 21 in Miami Beach. https://t.co/bZvm4GllMv
At this moment in time, the UFC can't rely on its other stars to help generate revenue. Conor McGregor is yet to fully return from his devastating leg injury. Instead, the Irishman has only entertained rumors about the identity of his chosen opponent for his return bout.
Secondly, he hasn't entered USADA's six-month testing pool yet. Meanwhile, 'Gamebred' is embroiled in legal issues. Furthermore, he seldom fights more than once a year.
#4. Jon Jones has been gone for long enough
UFC fighters are assets to Dana White's promotion. Each asset has a value, and Jon Jones is a high-value asset. Unfortunately, in MMA—and indeed in all sports—fans are more concerned with what an athlete has recently accomplished. In Jon Jones' case, he hasn't done much lately.
Joe Rogan still thinks Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time.
Longtime UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones hasn't fought since defending his belt against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020, a bout that was widely viewed as a
boxing.org/joe-rogan-cont… https://t.co/0utJksvp4E
'Bones' hasn't fought since 2020. While his absence has built a high level of intrigue, there are consequences if he waits too long. If anything arises that causes him to withdraw from his scheduled bout with 'Bon Gamin', whether it's a failed drug test or a legal issue, fans will be unforgiving.
To capitalize on his value as an asset, the UFC needs him to fight. However, if he waits too long to return or if something prevents him from fighting and results in a suspension, his value as an asset will decrease. Now is the right time and he must return come the fourth of March.
#3. Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane could be the biggest fight of the year
This year will feature several highly anticipated bouts. However, they could all be eclipsed by Jon Jones' return to the UFC. The former light heavyweight kingpin will be making his heavyweight debut. Fans have been waiting for 'Bones' to ply his trade at 265 lbs since the days of Cain Velasquez.
Ciryl Gane will face Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 💪 https://t.co/iWy2MKMUiM
Besides a disqualification loss, he has never lost inside the octagon. Thus, Jon Jones is technically undefeated. Many are eager to see him lose, and many believe that his first loss will take place in the heavyweight division. The only fight that might be bigger than his return would be Conor McGregor's return.
But that's if 'The Notorious' returns in 2023 at all. 'Bones' possibly becoming a two-division champion will be a high selling point. Furthermore, the scheduled matchup between him and 'Bon Gamin' is interesting from a stylistic standpoint. Jon Jones could give the UFC its biggest fight this year, thus, he needs to fight.
#2. The UFC will be in a strong negotiating position if Jon Jones loses
Jon Jones is a difficult fighter for the UFC to negotiate with. A matchup with former heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou never came to fruition due to the former 205'er's negotiating demands. According to UFC President Dana White, 'Bones' had requested a fight purse in the realm of what Deontay Wilder makes.
Dana White claims #UFC champ Jon Jones was asking for 'Deontay Wilder money' for heavyweight fight with Francis Ngannou:
"We have text messages from Jon Jones. It's not like I can't prove what I'm saying is true."
Watch full video: youtu.be/_hXhUia7Zw8 https://t.co/yinb5IPwvP
While a Jones win at heavyweight will make him a much bigger star than he already is, a loss will also benefit the UFC. He'll remain a big star even if he loses, least of all due to his unbeaten streak at 205 lbs. If 'Bones' loses, his value as an asset will decrease.
The UFC will be in a stronger negotiating position due to Jones' lack of championship leverage in that scenario. Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane is a more affable and easygoing presence who will help the UFC tap into the French market if he captures UFC gold by defeating a legend like 'Bones'.
#1. Jon Jones will make the heavyweight division more exciting
The heavyweight division just lost Francis Ngannou. 'The Predator' was one of the most exciting 265'ers in the promotion due to his unrivaled knockout power. In his absence, the heavyweight division is in desperate need of someone truly great.
Ciryl Gane claiming the title could be problematic to that end, given his previous loss to the Cameroonian phenom. If Francis Ngannou captures championship gold in the PFL while 'Bon Gamin' claims the UFC 265 lbs crown, then a rival promotion would be able to claim that their heavyweight champion is the best 265'er in the world.
Stipe Miocic wants the winner of Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane 👀 https://t.co/1J1vuxIin8
However, if 'Bones' wins, the UFC will have the benefit of an undefeated champion who has never lost to 'The Predator'. Furthermore, Dana White's penchant for claiming that fighters avoid certain matchups can enforce a narrative about the Cameroonian phenom being scared to face 'Bones'.
Additionally, Jones' move to heavyweight has opened up a series of interesting and fresh matchups that will inject a new element of fun into the division. The likes of Stipe Miocic, Curtis Blaydes, and others will be awaiting the former 205'er if he defeats 'Bon Gamin'.