Jon Jones has packed on some extra muscle, and according to the former UFC light heavyweight champion, his bank account is about to as well.
Jones is set to return to the octagon for the first time in over three years, and as a heavyweight, as he faces Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 285, which takes place March 4 in Las Vegas. UFC President Dana White recently revealed that Jones had signed an eight-fight contract with the promotion. On Monday, UFC president Dana White revealed that Jones had signed a new eight-fight deal with the promotion. Jones, however, stated the existing deal was for the same number of fights. However, when Jones was asked whether White was offering him more money, Jones confirmed.
“Yes, he did,” Jones stated. Jones said that he had 8 fights remaining on his contract. He was unhappy with the percentages. The pay was increased and we are now back to where it was with our commitment to UFC. I hope to get through eight fights. That’s a lot fighting for 35. We’ll see.”
If Jones is victorious within a matter of months, he already knows his next opponent and it’s the UFC’s longest-serving heavyweight champion.
“I have my eyes on Stipe Miocic,” Jones stated. It just seems to me the most important. Although there are many guys in the world, I believe it means the most for me personally. To me, the victory over the greatest heavyweight ever is a part of my legacy.
“As far as how soon, hopefully I get out of this fight with no serious injuries, but I’d let to get [back] out there as soon as possible. Depending on the .”
, my goal will be anywhere between two and three fights.
After beating Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, Jones quit the title of light heavyweight in order to move up in heavyweight and challenge Francis Ngannou as champion in a huge fight. Ngannou was subsequently disqualified from the fight and has since left UFC as champion.
Since then, the 35-year-old has packed on size and muscle. When asked how difficult that process has been, Jones gave his response, while also noting that when he arrives in Las Vegas for the UFC 285 fight week festivities, he believes fans won’t notice too much of a difference.
“One of the hardest things was not being able to lose my shape while still trying to pack on 40 pounds,” Jones explained. “I think when the fans see me, they’ll be surprised that I still look a lot like I used to — [although] my shoulders are a lot more broader, I freaking gained a whole bunch of ass, unfortunately — but just trying to keep that shape and doing it the right way.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/7/23589185/jon-jones-explains-new-contract-and-physique-has-sights-set-on-stipe-miocic-after-ufc-285?rand=96749
