UFC Hall-of-Famer Jon Jones is still targeting a December return to the octagon – despite time running out to land a spot on the final pay-per-view card of the year.
Former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion Jones, 35, earmarked UFC 282 in Las Vegas for his long-awaited comeback fight earlier this year.
And a showdown with former 265lb king Stipe Miocic is still the bout Jones wants for his long-overdue return to the cage.
When asked by a fan when he’s next fighting, Jones tweeted: “I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas.
“Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape.”
Jones’ hopes of headling UFC 282 seemingly took a blow a few hours after his tweet when it was announced a rematch between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira would top the bill.
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Former pound-for-pound king Jones hasn’t set foot inside the cage in nearly THREE YEARS.
Jones has used his time on the sidelines to bulk up in preparation for his long-awaited move up to heavyweight.
And the controversial star’s efforts in the gym have resulted in him transforming his once lean and mean 205lb frame.
Jones’ time away from the cage has in part been down to a very public pay row with the UFC brass.
But SunSport revealed in January that his advisor, Richard Schaefer had resumed negotiations with the promotion and made progress in securing a suitable deal for his client.
He said: “He is willing, ready and able to fight whoever we can get for the heavyweight title.”
Jones hasn’t fought since his final defence of the 205lb title against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020.
His decision victory over Reyes was a controversial one as many thought he suffered his first legitimate loss.
But he’s planning to erase the memory of that performance with a spectacular return at heavyweight.
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He tweeted: “My goal, my dream is to have my first heavyweight title fight look like my first light heavyweight title fight.
“Pure domination.”
