Jon Jones Expects To Fight In November – ‘It’s Really Happening’
Jon Jones has said he will return to the UFC on November 9 against Stipe Miocic.
The UFC Heavyweight Champion pulled out of his title defense against Miocic at UFC 295. This was after damaging his pectoral muscle in sparring. Jones underwent surgery, followed by further surgery on his elbow. Tom Aspinall wanted Jones stripped so he could fight Miocic for the belt. The winner would then take on Jones.
Dana White refused to do that, which meant Aspinall moved on. The Brit will fight Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, hoping a win gets him the title shot. There are suggestions that the winner of Jones-Miocic could retire. But with Aspinall and Alex Pereira potentially waiting for a title shot, Jones has some huge fights on offer. But the focus is Miocic, with a return expected in November.
Jones’ Return
The UFC has yet to make an official announcement, meaning that the date may change. Jones’ recent record also shows that he has not been very active. Prior to beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to win the vacant heavyweight title, Jones had been out of the sport for three years. Now that he is 36, he does not have much time at the top level.
The same can be said for Miocic. He is 41 and will be 42 by November. Miocic has not had a UFC fight since losing to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in 2022. He was knocked out in the second round. Miocic is regarded as one of the best heavyweights the UFC has ever seen. However, at the tail end of his career, significant inactivity could cost him.
The UFC fighter has been blamed for holding up the heavyweight division. Fans are desperate to see Jones face Aspinall, who simply cannot secure the title fight. Jones has not not been stripped, while Miocic appears to have done less recently to get the title shot ahead of Aspinall. Despite the criticism, he defended his upcoming fight.
Miocic Reacts
“I get it. I’d feel the same way but I’m not taking anything away from him. The UFC can do what they want. It is what it is. There’s only one guy I want to fight, it’s Jon Jones. But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want.
“People don’t know this, but there were a couple of other times where I was ready to fight him and they gave him another guy. What am I supposed to do? I’m not holding up any division like everyone says. I don’t care. Do what you want and stop crying. I’m not saying he’s crying. I’m just saying like fans and stuff like that.
“Everyone thinks he’s going to beat..[me]. I don’t like being told that. I like shutting people up. He’s beatable. I know he is. Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this. I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style. If the shoes on the other foot, it could be me as well.
“He does a lot of good things. He’s good with his distance, his leg kicks and on the ground. I’m good at making it a fight. I’m technical but I can also make it into the brawl and make him feel really uncomfortable as does he. I think it depends on who does what they like. Unfortunately, I don’t like being told what to do so I’m going to do what I want to,” Miocic stated
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