Putting on muscles could potentially backfire for Jon Jones, says UFC heavyweight Marcin Tybura (Exclusive)
Marcin Tybura recently weighed in on Jon Jones making his highly awaited return to the UFC octagon after a hiatus of three years. The Polish heavyweight discussed how putting on muscle mass could possibly affect the former light heavyweight champion's chances against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Following Francis Ngannou's exit from the UFC earlier this year, 'Bones' is gearing up to face 'Bon Gamin' for the vacant heavyweight title on March 4. Considering his status as arguably the greatest fighter of all time, Jon Jones faces a mountain of expectations as he returns to the sport in the 265lbs weight class.
Many have wondered if 'Bones' will be the same fighter at heavyweight. Marcin Tybura feels it would depend on his ability to use the extra mass.
In an exclusive interview with Andrew Whitelaw of Sportskeeda MMA, 'Tybur' spoke about Jones' chances against Ciryl Gane:
"I saw Jon Jones building some muscle when he was competing in light heavyweight, and he didn't do well in his fights. So, it's either he builds muscle right now and learns how to use it, and he'll be as good as he was in his prime... Or he might be a little bit rusty... Might not go very well for him. We can see the best Jon Jones ever, or he could lose easily to Ciryl Gane."
Watch the full interview below:
Marcin Tybura says he would readily accept a fight against Jon Jones
In the same interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Marcin Tybura claimed that he would readily accept a bout against Jon Jones.
The No.10-ranked UFC heavyweight opened up about his ambitions as a fighter and his mindset of constantly pushing himself beyond his limits. 'Tybur' stated that he was even open to fighting Jones someday:
"Yeah absolutely. My feeling about doing sports at a high level is that you have to want much more than you're capable of, than your mind tells you you're capable of. In my mind, I have the biggest goal in this division to get the belt one day. So whenever I'll be offered to fight Jon Jones, I'll accept it right away."
Marcin Tybura is booked to face Blagoy Ivanov this weekend at UFC Vegas 68. Having won six of his past seven, 'Tybur' isn’t too far out of the title picture depending on the outcome of his next outing.