UFC heavyweight legend "past his prime" to face Jon Jones, says Ali Abdelaziz
Jon Jones is rumored to be returning to the octagon sometime in 2023 after more than two years on the sidelines. 'Bones' has taken time away from the sport to adequately prepare for his move from light heavyweight to heavyweight.
A return bout with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou or former champion Stipe Miocic has been rumored. However, according to Ali Abdelaziz, Miocic vs. Jon Jones should not happen. The Dominance MMA CEO believes that Miocic's best years are behind him, at 40 years of age.
Abdelaziz was recently interviewed by The Schmo, and was asked by the journalist why a fight between Jon Jones and Miocic had not been organized. Abdelaziz said this:
"I don't know, Stipe is a legend too, I can't talk s**t about him. But I think he is a bit past his prime. He gave us his best years, we are grateful for him and I think he is arguably one of the best heavyweights ever."
Watch the video below from 9:00:
Stipe Miocic last fought in March 2021, when he was defeated by Francis Ngannou for the UFC heavyweight title. The fight was a one-sided affair, with 'The Predator' stuffing Miocic's takedowns with ease before knocking him out.
Rumors of a fight between Jones and Miocic began circling in October after 'Bones' tweeted that he had begun preparing to fight the former UFC champion.
Multiple reports of a fight between Miocic and 'Bones' were released earlier this year. But Dana White dismissed rumors of a matchup between the two greats, stating that the UFC had never booked that fight.
Ariel Helwani says that Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou could happen in March
Francis Ngannou's current contract expires with the UFC in December, meaning that 'The Predator' will be a free agent. However, Ngannou's head coach, Eric Nicksick, recently hinted at a possible fight on March 4.
According to prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, a fight between Jon Jones and Ngannou now looks like it could take place on the UFC's March pay-per-view card.
During the most recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani said the following:
"I'm hearing that talks are actually pretty good, you saw his coach Eric Nicksick reference March 4th... As I've said I think they figure it out and I think [Ngannou] signs and I think they make [Jones vs. Ngannou]."
Watch the video below from 11:00: