22 months ago, Jon Jones stepped in the octagon for the final time at light heavyweight, eking out a decision win over Dominick Reyes at UFC at UFC 247. Following his win, Jones weighed his options before ultimately choosing to vacate the light heavyweight title with designs on finally moving up to heavyweight. Now, nearly two years later, Jones is close to having a return date set.
“I’m looking to fight somewhere in April, possibly Madison Square Garden, or a total opposite date, possibly July at International Fight Week,” Jones told KRQE, an Albuequerque television station. “Those are the two dates that I’m kind of eyeing. I think it will depend on who wins in January between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, and we’ll just take it from there.”
Ngannou and Gane face each other in the main event of UFC 270 on Jan. 22 for the heavyweight title, with Jones expected to be next in line for the winner. It will be a long-time coming for Jones, who fans have wanted to see move up to heavyweight for years, but when he finally does, Jones will do it without one of his most tenured coaches by his side. Earlier this year, after Jones was arrested for battery domestic violence, his head coach Mike Winkeljohn asked Jones to leave the gym, which led to a falling out between the two that saw Jones rip Winkeljohn as a “miserable bastard.” Now, Jones seems to have put those animosities aside.
“Winkeljohn and I, we’ve had a great relationship over the years,” Jones said. “We’ve done a lot of awesome things together, made a lot of money together, brought a lot of world championships to the city of Albuquerque. It’s been a wonderful journey and I do believe everything kind of has its time. It’s been a good thing and I’ll always root for Wink. I want him to do well, I want his athletes to do well, but I think I’ve had my time with them and it’s time for a new chapter.”
That new chapter for Jones is at Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, AZ where he has been training with former two division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. Jones says he is still working with Greg Jackson and many of his coaches from JacksonWinkeljohn, but that having Cejudo in his corner moving forward is going to be huge for the greatest light heavyweight of all time.
“It’s amazing,” Jones said. “Henry Cejudo is amazing. He’s very family-oriented. He loves martial arts with all of his heart, and he’s a man of God, as well. We have that in common. It’s just a really good thing. I really enjoy the way he’s taken me under his wing and just shown me a different way of looking at the game. Not just the martial arts game, but life. We talk about happiness and being real with emotions. His coaching is more than just combat tactics. He really tries to make you the best man you can be and it really feels like he’s a guy that I need to be around.
“I’m excited to grow. I’m excited to be more honest with myself than ever before and just elevate to a new place – a new place not only as an athlete, but spiritually and mentally. I’m excited.”
Can’t wait for Jones to comeback. Being an extremely talented wrestler at heavyweight is going to be great for him.
Ngannou, Gane or Stipe fight will be fireworks.
I can see him beating all 3 with his skill set, I also see him having a higher chance of getting finished by all three as well.
HW is looking so good
Yeah let’s see if he can stay outta trouble till then first though
I find it really interesting the things he says about Cejudo. Olympic champions are a different level of person.
Can’t fix that guy he’s just a narcicist asshole. He’s turning 35 now, hard to believe for someone so childish.
He’ll be in trouble again soon.
I wonder what he means by “it depends on which guy wins.” Was there any explanation there in the full interview?
Has he named his return opponent?
After his last fight in the hotel I’m assuming he’s going to call out Roxanne Modefierri or maybe a ring card girl.
Cejudo seems to be making motions to start being a high calibre trainer for MMA fighters.
Delusional
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Here’s a funny blast from the blast from an article Jon did with MMAWeekly August 20th, 2012… as he was getting prepared to fight Dan Henderson at UFC 151 which was the event the UFC cancelled completely due to Jon turning down a short notice GOAT Chael Sonnen:
“I’ve put thought into it and, like I said, not to be cliché, but Dan Henderson is my main priority and focus, but I have a lot of years left in fighting. Coming up to heavyweight is something I’d like to do maybe in the next two or three years,” Jones said in a recent Fuel TV interview.
“2013 or 2014; it would be cool.”
UFC/Dana wont book him until his legal stuff is resolved, and seeing as the Vegas Prosecutor asked until the end of January to file charges, I dont see the case being resolved by march unless Jones agress to another plea deal. we’ll see
So another 2 year secret suspension?(24 months)
Is he still “pulsing” for something he never tested positive or was suspended for?
how many times does he get arrested between now and then?
How’s his wife? Kids in good therapy sessions? Who’s wing are they under? Couldn’t care any less what Jones does.
You’ve been full of shit for too long, Jonny. Your words mean fuck-all. Until you step in the cage again, you are an ex-fighter.
I’d love to be proved wrong and see you get knocked into Bolivia by one of the big boys, but I doubt it happens.
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