Jon Jones will finally defend his UFC heavyweight championship for the first time after over a year out of the octagon.
The legendary former light-heavyweight champion moved up to 265lb last year and quickly defeated Ciryl Gane to win the belt, which had been vacated by Francis Ngannou. From there, he was due to face Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, before being forced out with a torn pec.
Now, Jon Jones has the all clear medically and has confirmed his comeback for the same venue and with the same opponent. He has even named a date for his next fight, despite there being no announcement from the UFC officially.
Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic confirmed for UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden
Speaking with fans on Instagram this week, Jon Jones teased that he had a comeback fight booked. He even posted a countdown, which inquisitive readers noted would end on November 9, with many noting that would be the UFC’s usual New York pay-per-view date.
“Today we worked on the top part of my squat,” he wrote, accompanying a video of himself working out. “I finished up at 525 pounds for a set of three. It’s awesome to feel my strength coming back, while shredding pounds at the same time.
“I got 18 weeks and three days to improve, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Progress equals happiness, sacrifice today, smile tomorrow. Find your personal love for self improvement.”
That timeframe would land on November 9, and in his next post he confirmed the date with a caption that read: “The red corner, my office, #Nov9th.” He later confirmed the location in a comment to a fan who had told him to ‘claim a fight’.
“November 9th Madison Square Garden,” he wrote when told to give a solid date. “I know it seems like a dream but it’s really happening.” UFC 309 has yet to be announced by the promotion, but after their UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi in October, it is expected to be the next numbered event.
Jon Jones unsure if he will retire after showdown with Stipe Miocic
While Jon Jones is renowned as arguably the greatest fighter of all time, he is coming towards the end of his career. And he could be ready to hang up the gloves after his fight with Stipe Miocic, who is considered the greatest heavyweight of all time due to his historic run atop the division.
When asked by a fan on social media if he would be considering retirement following the Miocic fight, Jones replied: “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.”
There are a number of potential fights on the horizon for Jones, who many feel is taking the easy route by facing Miocic who will be 42 by the time their fight comes around. He has an interim champion in Tom Aspinall, while Alex Pereira is considering a move up to heavyweight after winning 205lb gold.
And just last week Dana White refused to rule out the potential of a Saudi Arabian cross-promotion between UFC and PFL for a super-fight with Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian never lost his belt in the octagon, and is considered by many to be the true heavyweight champion.