Jon Jones in line for blockbuster UFC return against Stipe Miocic as Dana White reveals ex-champ has ‘accepted’ bout

JON JONES’ long-awaited return to the octagon could come against ex-heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, according to UFC president Dana White.

The former long-reigning light-heavyweight king has been on the sidelines since last February due to a bitter pay dispute with the UFC brass.

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Jon Jones hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since February 2020[/caption]

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Jon Jones has been offered a fight with former heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic[/caption]

Jones, 34, has been using his time out to bulk up for his long-awaited move to heavyweight and had hoped to face newly-crowned champion Francis Ngannou in his return.

The UFC have so far refused to meet Jones’ asking price for the mega-fight but are willing to match him up against Miocic.

During an appearance on The Nelk Boys’ Full Send podcast, White said: “Me and Jones have had that type of relationship his whole career.

“When he’s ready to fight we are ready to go. He’s talking about fighting at heavyweight.

“But, in the heavyweight division right now we are going back to Houston, Derrick Lewis is taking on Ciryl Gane and whoever wins that fight will fight Francis Ngannou.

“Whoever wins that fight, if Jon Jones wants to come back he can fight one of them.

“Or, he can fight Stipe Miocic. Stipe has accepted that fight and will take that fight.”

He can fight Stipe Miocic. Stipe has accepted that fight and will take that figh

Dana White on Jon Jones' future

Jones, who has undergone a dramatic body transformation in preparation for his move up in weight, poo-pooed the idea of fighting Miocic in May with a series of hastily-deleted tweets.

He wrote: “Don’t get excited people, I’m not fighting Stipe.”

Despite being in his prime years, Jones is more than willing to sit out and wait for a fight with Ngannou.

He said: “I’m not here to fight Stipe but I will defend my belt against him no problem.

“I’m looking for the biggest draw and I’m willing to wait.

“33 years old in better athlete right now than I’ve ever been before.

“I’m just going to keep training my ass off.”

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Jones is confident he will be crowned heavyweight champ next year, recently tweeting: “Champion2022.”

Fan favourite Miocic has been on the sidelines since https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/14475598/ufc-260-results-francis-ngannou-stipe-miocic/losing the 265lb strap to Ngannou in March

The Cleveland clubber had hoped to be given an immediate trilogy fight with the UFC’s first African-born heavyweight champion but has been overlooked.