After recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones has announced he has a date booked for his UFC return, but is allowing the promotion to make the official announcement.
Jon Jones is on the brink of a comeback. After a brutal torn pectoral muscle put a halt to his anticipated face-off with Stipe Miocic in November 2023, the reigning heavyweight champ has hinted at his UFC return. The official announcement? That’s up to the UFC.
“I’ve got a date,” Jones spilled on Twitter. “I’ll leave it to Dana [White] to break the news.”
The fight? It’s almost a done deal. But without a signed contract, there’s no guarantee. “Can’t announce anything yet,” Jones penned, “Right now, it’s just a verbal agreement.”
As for his opponent, all fingers point to Miocic. Jones is keen on knocking out arguably the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. Recently, he’s teased potential bouts with everyone from current UFC light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira to interim heavyweight king Tom Aspinall. Miocic, however, hasn’t been mentioned. But that doesn’t mean Jones has moved on.
The UFC has pay-per-view cards lined up through the summer. UFC 303, headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler on June 29, and UFC 304, set for July 27 in Manchester, England. After that, UFC 305 hits Perth, Australia on Aug. 17. Then, it’s off to The Sphere in Las Vegas for UFC 306 in September.
Jones fighting internationally? Unlikely, given his star power in the US. If the UFC doesn’t slot him for the September card, Jones might not return until late 2024. The UFC’s annual event in Madison Square Garden in November, where Jones vs. Miocic was originally set to happen in 2023, could be a possibility. Or the year-end card in December.
For now, it’s all speculation. Jones keeps teasing his return since his quick victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Let the guessing games begin.