Dominick Reyes claims Jon Jones has been "running" from him for 2 years, teases potential heavyweight jump
Dominick Reyes recently claimed that Jon Jones has been avoiding a fight with him for the past two years. Jones was last seen inside the octagon against 'The Devastator' at UFC 247 back in February 2020.
Although Jones won the fight and retained his light heavyweight throne, large sections of the MMA community perceived the bout as a razor-thin contest in favor of Reyes. However, the official decision unanimously in favor of 'Bones' suggested otherwise, and he eventually vacated the championship a few months later.
“I truly believe I won that fight. I’m the uncrowned king right now.”
@DomReyes believes he showed Jon Jones is just a man, with “fears like everyone else” #UFC247 (via @bokamotoESPN) https://t.co/i3MQlblJjK
The way Reyes sees it, Jones has been doing everything in his capacity to avoid a rematch with him. Speaking with The Schmo in a recent interview while also speculating on Jones' next move, the former title challenger said:
"Plot twist - I'm coming for him [Jon Jones]. I might have to [move to heavyweight] one day. I mean, he's been running for what? Two years now from me... But you know, Jon is Jon. We'll see what happens. I have no idea. I don't even know if he's training."
Watch the interview below:
Reyes is set to return to action at UFC 281 next month against Ryan Spann. The light heavyweight duo will square off at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Meanwhile, Jones' return appears to be on the horizon. A potential fight against former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic or a straight shot at undisputed championship gold against Francis Ngannou appears to be on the cards for the former 205-pound kingpin.
Will Jon Jones return to fighting in 2022?
Over the past few weeks, rumors suggesting that the UFC is working on the highly anticipated return of Jon Jones for UFC 282 have been rife. The event is scheduled to take place on December 10, 2022, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
'Bones' even hinted at fighting on the UFC 282 card earlier this year.
Jon Jones hints that he’ll return at #UFC282 in December. 🦴 https://t.co/mGFEGyDYik
Ariel Helwani reported on The MMA Hour that the clock is ticking for the UFC to quickly book Jones' return for the December pay-per-view. According to Helwani, failing to do so will force the UFC to pivot to UFC 285 in March:
"If they don't make the fight happen [Jon Jones' return], I think they will try to make the fight happen in March. We've got January Brazil, February Perth, I think they will go to the UK in April and we'll go to Vegas in March."
Catch Helwani's take on Jones' return below: