Jon Jones addresses critics regarding the latest footage of heavyweight training during the ‘bulking stage’

Jon Jones appreciates anyone who called him out after seeing his latest heavyweight training footage.

The former UFC lightweight champion responded on Friday to those who weren’t impressed by his pad workout with Brandon Gibson. In the clip, Jones hit mitts bare-knuckle and expressed an enthusiasm for his long-awaited heavyweight debut, writing that he’s “exactly where I need to be” and “excited to see myself in a few months when things actually start to ramp up. Feeling sharp across the board.”

The footage was the latest glimpse at what a heavyweight version of the all-time great could look like once Jones makes his eventual UFC return.

” “For those who thought I was a bit slow in my previous training video, thank you for the additional motivation,” Jones posted on Twitter as a response to the clip. I’ll work harder and can’t wait to see my boy fighting in real fight form. Everything has its process.

“I personally don’t feel slow, I’m aware that I’m not in camp and I am in a bulking phase. But I like people judging that version of me, it could only work to my advantage.”

Jones, 35, is one of the most decorated champions in UFC history, but has been out of action since a February 2020 title defense against Dominick Reyes, which Jones won via controversial decision. “Bones” subsequently vacated his 205-pound title in August 2020 and has since been focused on bulking up for his much-anticipated move to heavyweight.

Jones is expected to take on former UFC champion Stipe Miocic whenever that debut comes to fruition. Jones suggested Friday that November would be a target date for Jones’ return and that Francis Ngannou, UFC heavyweight champion, may also be on the cards.