Jon Jones shares why he doesn't take last minute fights

Jon Jones' heavyweight debut is set to go down at UFC 285 this weekend. Ahead of his highly anticipated return to the octagon, Jones broke down his mentality as far as preparing for fights is concerned.

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Speaking on episode two of UFC 285 Embedded: Vlog Series, Jon Jones was seen watching one of Ciryl Gane's recent fights. Comparing an MMA bout to a "test" that requires "homework," Jones said:

"It's crazy that some fighters don't study. I think an MMA fight is just one big test, and how do you go into a test without doing your homework? It's crazy. I believe that I'm one of the best fighters in the world, but I believe I could lose to any guy any given night."

Jones further elaborated on why watching his opponents' past fights is a key part of his preparations, which is why he doesn't jump on short-notice opportunities:

"I like to get real familiar with what I'm getting into. There's a reason why I don't take last minute fights. Ciryl Gane, it's more of a chess match. Two thinkers out there. I like my odds in a chess match."

Catch Jones' comments on his preparations below (:24):

Jon Jones shares the real reason for delaying heavyweight debut

Jon Jones has teased a move to the heavyweight division for several years now. Following his light heavyweight title defense against Dominick Reyes, 'Bones' vacated the belt and began his preparations for his heavyweight move.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, the longtime light heavyweight champion opened up on why the move took nearly three years:

"The prolonging of my heavyweight debut had nothing to do with money or being upset with the UFC or anything like that. I just wanted to be at my best when I did come back. I felt like I was ready to go about a year ago. We needed to figure out opponents and there was just a lot of moving parts in the UFC."

Watch Jones discuss his heavyweight debut below (1:39):

A fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou was the talk of the town until 'The Predator' was released from his UFC contract earlier this year. Following Ngannou's UFC exit, the promotion announced that Jones would take on former interim champion Ciryl Gane for the vacant title.

Following his lengthy hiatus, Jones is looking to stay active as a heavyweight. He is already targeting a fight against former champion Stipe Miocic for his first title defense.

Stipe Miocic calls to fight the winner of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane in July 2023 👊

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