Chael Sonnen on what Jon Jones should have done during his three-year layoff
Chael Sonnen has discussed what Jon Jones should've done to further his MMA career during his long hiatus. Jones' most recent fight witnessed him defeat Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision in February 2020 to defend his UFC light heavyweight title. 'Bones' vacated the title in August 2020 and has been preparing for his heavyweight debut ever since.
In an edition of Beyond the Fight, retired MMA star Chael Sonnen alluded to the respect Jones still commands in the UFC. For instance, ever since Jones announced his move to heavyweight, UFC president Dana White has expressed interest in having him fight for the heavyweight title in his divisional debut.
Additionally, Sonnen acknowledged that Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou has been one of the most discussed potential matchups in MMA. He indicated that despite being incredibly talented, well-accomplished, and having the UFC on his side; Jones has been unable to generate fan interest for his comeback:
"In three years, he's never created a fight for himself. For three years, he hasn't even added fire to a fight [the Ngannou fight] that was already created for him. He's done nothing to get public interest. He's done absolutely nothing. But imagine what he could've done. And imagine the spot that he would be in."
Noting that Jon Jones failed to promote himself via trash-talk and callouts, Chael Sonnen said:
"He could be lobbing grenades at [former interim UFC heavyweight champion] Ciryl Gane. He could be lobbing them at Curtis Blaydes. He could be throwing them at Tom Aspinall. I mean, right? There'd be no direction that Jon couldn't go -- because he's already spoken for. A higher hand, that of Dana White, has already penciled him in to a title shot."
Watch Sonnen address the topic at 3:50 in the video below:
Jon Jones sends an eerie warning to Stipe Miocic ahead of rumored fight
Earlier this month, Jon Jones took to Twitter to reveal that he's training for another one of his long-awaited dream matchups -- a fight against Stipe Miocic. Jones issued an ominous warning to the former UFC heavyweight champion and urged him to "sign the contract."
I’m bringing all the heat @Stipemiocic, I got that fire you could never put out. Sign the contract #Ufc282
Moreover, Jon Jones highlighted that he's primed to make his heavyweight debut against Stipe Miocic at UFC 282 on December 10. Presently, the UFC hasn't announced Jones' return. Moreover, he's been conspicuously absent from the UFC 282 promotional lineup. Regardless, insinuating that the hold-up is on Miocic's end, 'Bones' tweeted:
"I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape."
I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape. twitter.com/ColeDillon1874…