Jon Jones hits out at Stipe Miocic as rumors of the pair not fighting on International Fight Week emerge
Following his dominant win at UFC 285, Jon Jones took to the mic to call for a fight against Stipe Miocic, which the heavyweight obliged, but it now seems that the blockbuster clash could be in trouble.
'Bones' put on a showcase for as long as it lasted in his most recent outing, dominating the tough Ciryl Gane for a comfortable first-round finish. The win earned the Hall-of-Famer the heavyweight title, making him the latest to join the list of two-division world champions under the UFC banner.
In a rant on social media, Jon Jones demanded that Stipe Miocic "stop wasting everyone's time" as the newly crowned champion is clearly desperate to make the fight happen.
"Yo Stipe Miocic only you, the UFC, and I know the truth. You dodged me all of 2022 - July, September, December. Now I'm hearing rumors that we may not be fighting this July," said Jones. "Bro, it's simple, Either you believe in yourself or you don't. Either you want this challenge or you don't. Stop wasting everyone's time."
Despite losing his last fight, Miocic is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in the history of the sport, and having a matchup between the two GOATs would be an iconic moment in the career of both men.
Prior to his loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021, the 40-year-old was 8-1 with his sole loss coming against Daniel Cormier, a fight he later managed to avenge.
Below are the tweets posted by Jon Jones:
Yo @stipemiocic only you the UFC and I know the truth, you dodged me all of 2022 - July, September & December.
Now I’m hearing rumors that we may not be fighting this July.
Bro it’s simple, either you believe in yourself or you don’t. Either you want this challenge or you don’t. Stop wasting everyone’s time.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: When were the heavyweights rumored to be fighting?
On July 8 during International Fight Week, Jon Jones was rumored to be making the first defense of his heavyweight strap against a man many believed to be the best the division has ever seen.
Reported to be taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 290 is yet to confirm any fights, but the surging middleweight prospect Bo Nickal may have a fight in the works for that date.
As announced by Traesean Gore on social media, the UFC has approached him about facing the overwhelming Bo Nickal at UFC 288, though nothing has been made official on any part as of now.