WATCH: Jon Jones toys around with sparring partner, looks sharp punching mitts ahead of UFC 285
Jon Jones is less than a week away from making his heavyweight debut, which will also mark his return to the octagon after a a hiatus of more than three years.
'Bones' will take on Ciryl Gane in the main event at UFC 285 with the vacant UFC heavyweight title on the line. Fans have recently been treated to Jones' training footage as the former light heavyweight champ preps for his octagon return.
Jones fans have reason to be happy, as ring rust seemingly hasn't affected the speed of the the MMA G.O.A.T contender. 'Bones' looked extremely sharp for his weight class, hitting the pads and bringing back glimpses of his spectacular light-heavyweight run as he toyed around with his sparring partner.
Catch Jon Jones' latest training videos below:
New footage Jon Jones hitting pads. Thoughts? https://t.co/SMuwPwohIj
Bruh, look at this recent footage of Jon jones sparring. I feel bad for Walt hahaha. https://t.co/L44qIOvHaC
Jones' partner in the video is UFC heavyweight Walt Harris, who was also recently seen dancing with 'Bones'.
While Jones surprisingly opened up as an underdog against Gane, the odds shifted in his favor, as he's now a -155 favorite in some sportsbooks. It remains to be seen whether the former UFC champ justifies the changed odds or ring rust gets the better of him.
Jon Jones gives honest opinion on Francis Ngannou's exit ahead of UFC return
Jon Jones has seemingly been ready and eager to make a return to the octagon since the better part of last year. However, Jones' return to the octagon was stalled due to the UFC's negotiations with Francis Ngannou, who was originally supposed to welcome Jones.
However, the fight fell through with Ngannou's exit from the UFC, much to the disappointment of MMA fans and pundits around the globe. Giving his honest topic on the scenario, Jones claims Ngannou is to blame for the cancelation of one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history. Jones recently told RMC Sport:
"I don’t think I deserve any criticism. I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me, and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.”
Jon Jones also believes that the doors of the UFC will also remain open for Ngannou should he choose to return.
Catch Jones' comments below: