Jon Jones is seeking to return to the old school ways of the UFC with two fights in one night. He hasn't been in action since his comeback win against Stipe Miocic in 2024.
What happened?
Jon Jones was extremely upset not to be included on the UFC Freedom 250 event, where Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira competed for the interim heavyweight title.
He congratulated Gane on his win, reminding everyone he is still the GOAT, which didn't sit well with Pereira. In an impromptu interview, Jones said he wants to fight both Gane and Pereira in the same night.
Why it matters for Jon Jones
Jon Jones' next fight may not take place in the UFC, or even in MMA, due to his ongoing problems with the UFC. He is being considered as a surprise opponent for Oleksandr Usyk's final fight in combat sports.
This past Monday, details emerged that Jones is being lined up as a potential opponent for Usyk's final fight. Usyk recently fought against legendary kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in the boxing ring and defended his WBC heavyweight title in controversial fashion.
What comes next?
It is unclear whether the fight would involve the UFC, as Jones is still under contract with the promotional powerhouse, and he has been seeking ways to get out of that. Jon Jones told Germancreator he would love to fight twice in one night, anytime, anywhere.
And although it has seemed unlikely that 'Bones' will return to the sport ever again, his recent comments suggest he is ready to consider a return to the UFC. Jones' call for two fights in one night has sparked interest, with many wondering if he will be able to make it happen.
On the UFC Freedom 250 event, Pereira was knocked out in the second round by Gane, who became a two-time interim heavyweight champion. This result has led to a reaction from Jones, who is now seeking to fight both Gane and Pereira in the same night.
The former UFC heavyweight champion has been embroiled in controversy regarding his UFC contract, turning down several offers to fight current champion Tom Aspinall and asking for his release from the promotion. Despite this, Jon Jones seems ready to potentially consider a return to the UFC.
Dana White claimed that with a win, Pereira would cement himself as the greatest fighter of all time, finally dropping his support for Jones. However, Pereira's loss to Gane has changed the landscape, and Jones is now seeking to capitalize on the opportunity.
Jon Jones' desire to fight twice in one night is a bold move, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. With his contract issues with the UFC still unresolved, it remains to be seen where his next fight will take place.
The possibility of Jones fighting Oleksandr Usyk in his final combat sports fight has also been raised, with The Ring Magazine reporting that Jones is being lined up as a potential opponent. This would be a significant fight, with both men seeking to make a statement in their respective careers.