Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, the greatest combat sports athlete to have ever walked the earth (according to Dana White, and a statement hard to argue against), just announced his UFC return on his official Instagram account. And he will apparently be defending his heavyweight title against former UFC champion, Stipe Miocic.
Jon hasn’t stepped foot inside the octagon since UFC 248 in March of 2023, his first ascent to heavyweight, where he effortlessly torched Cyril Gane in just over two minutes. Still, despite being the undisputed GOAT of the UFC, many have been complaining over Jon’s ambiguity over returning to the octagon to defend the heavyweight title, as he is now champion.
Honestly, it’s hard to say right now, I’m gonna base a lot of that on my next performance. The options are looking crazy right now. https://t.co/3skkYSY7Aj
— BONY (@JonnyBones) July 1, 2024
Surprisingly, he made an appearance at the PFL vs Bellator event in Saudi earlier this year, despite being under contract with the UFC. At the time, current PFL president said, “mark my words, Jon Jones will fight Francis Ngannou in the PFL. Now it’s up to Dana White.” Ambitious, yet doubtful.
Firstly, Jon would obliterate Ngannou. Ngannou hits hard, but as Anthony Joshua’s right hand proved not too long ago, Ngannou’s boxing prowess is highly overrated, and Jonny would ragdoll Francis like a grape in a blender. And, realistically, I just don’t think they’re going to fight. But it would be fun to watch.
Stipe is considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, but he’s no Jon Jones. He’s also 41. That’s not old. But in fighting years, it’s not young. Jon is 36, and has every advantage on his side: age, length, reach, skill, everything.
Still, there’s only one true undefeated champion in every sport: father time.
What will happen after this fight? Who knows.
