Jon Jones lays out future roadmap post Ciryl Gane showdown at UFC 285, talks next opponent, new physique and big money
Jon Jones has detailed his future with the UFC.
Before making his heavyweight debut, ‘Bones’ wanted to re-structure his contract to ensure he was paid his worth. After months of negotiating, the former UFC light heavyweight champion came to terms with the promotion, leading to his upcoming fight against Ciryl Gane being booked.
After announcing a new Kanpai Pandas partnership, Jones joined a Twitter space with the NFT company and talked about his new contract by saying:
“Oh yes, he sure did. I had eight fights left on my contract, I just wasn’t happy with my percentages. We just bumped up the pay and pretty much picked up where we left off with my commitment to the UFC. Hopefully I can get through all eight fights, that’s a lot of fighting at 35 years old. We’ll see.”
Jon Jones rarely does interviews nowadays, but his recently announced partnership with Kanpai Pandas seemed to make him comfortable about opening up. ‘Bones’ was asked who would be next if he beats Gane at UFC 285. The 35-year-old heavyweight responded by saying:
“I’ve got my sights on Stipe Miocic. I think it just means the most. There’s a lot of guys out there, but for me, personally, for my legacy, to defeat the greatest heavyweight of all-time, it just means the most to me…As far as how soon, hopefully I get out of this fight with no serious injuries, but I’d like to get [back] out there as soon as possible. My goal is anywhere from two to three fights depending on how it looks.”
Before focusing on what’s next, Jones has a tough test ahead. ‘Bones’ hasn’t fought at heavyweight yet, and he’s jumping into deep waters against a former interim champion. Gane is riding momentum from his third-round KO against Tai Tuivasa and believes his heavyweight experience will pay dividends at UFC 285.
Check out Jon Jones announcing his new partnership below:
The @kanpaipandas is now my new streetwear apparel brand of choice. shop.kanpaipandas.io https://t.co/Y7EvSgCAXn
Jon Jones details the struggles of transforming his body for heavyweight
Love him or hate him, Jon Jones made the right decision by taking his time to prepare for heavyweight. He last fought in February 2020 and spent the last three years transforming his body. During the same Twitter space, Jones had this to say about his preparations for the new division:
“One of the hardest things was not being able to lose my shape while still trying to pack on 40 pounds. I think when the fans see me, they’ll be surprised that I still look a lot like I used to — [although] my shoulders are a lot more broader, I freaking gained a whole bunch of ass, unfortunately — but just trying to keep that shape and doing it the right way.”
Jon Jones has a lot of questions to answer on March 4. The 35-year-old needs to prove that he is still as dangerous at heavyweight, especially after a long layoff. With that said, fans and analysts can’t forget that ‘Bones’ is arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
If he can emerge victorious against Ciryl Gane, the former UFC light heavyweight champion would add another accomplishment to his legendary career.