It looks like Jon Jones is ready to unleash hell when he steps into the cage at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic! The two titans were initially set to clash at UFC 295, but a torn pectoral tendon suffered by ‘Bones’ during training delayed their show-down to November 16 this year. The venue? The iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

With the new date now set for the long-awaited matchup, Jones recently pulled back the curtain on his training for the fight. In a recent video shared on Instagram, ‘Bones’ can be seen hammering away at a heavy bag on the ground. Jones had captioned the post, “My guy JP unlocking new skills” as the video also featured professional heavyweight boxer, Joseph Parker, adding a different dimension to his skillset.

Jones’s choice of weapon in the video? 12-6 elbows which are set to be unbanned from November 1 according to a recent ruling by the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports). However, that’s not all as the rule change is also set to redefine what constitutes a grounded opponent! The new criteria will only consider a fighter ‘grounded’ if, “any part of their body other than hands or feet” comes into contact with the Octagon canvas.

Meanwhile, the reactions poured in for Jones’s post as UFC followers expressed both admiration and dread for his next opponent! Here’s a look at what the fandom had to say.

Fans ring warning bells for Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall as Jon Jones unveils scary training footage

Tom Aspinall, who currently holds the interim heavyweight title and has already defended it once is also in line to take on Jon Jones. He recently revealed that he’s the back-up for UFC 309 but according to the fans, Jones would rather demonstrate his techniques in training on a “bag” rather than face the lethal British champion for a unification bout!

“Bro would rather fight a bag on the ground than Tom Aspinall (I would too tbf)”

Some couldn’t help but feel for Stipe Miocic, who now faces the looming challenge of Jones’ renewed skill set and the unleashing of his 12-6 elbow game. While there are concerns about the former champion’s chances against Jones owing to his long hiatus from the cage, Chael Sonnen has a different take on the situation. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, the UFC veteran shared, “Jon Jones took some time, put on some weight, and went against Ciryl Gane, and looked the best he’s looked in years. So, now, Stipe took some time, he’s put on some weight, but we’re not gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he looks better than he’s looked in years?”

“Poor stipe”

Since his debut in 2008 at UFC 87, the only blemish on Jones’ remarkable MMA record comes from his 2009 loss against Matt Hamill via a disqualification. The reason? The ban on the 12-6 elbows at the time. But with the weapon now back in Jones’ arsenal, the fans are excited to see him demolish his upcoming opponents with the move.

“Ik Jones is drooling to hit a 12/6 elbow again (legally) and I’m here for it!!”

Others had a contrasting take as they laid out a prediction for what would happen at UFC 309! The fan pointed out that Jones would win via submission and gave an exact time and round for it.

“UFC 309: Jon prevails via submission with exactly 2mins 6seconds left remaining in round 1”

A few fans even pointed out that the ground-n-pound is a glimpse of what would happen if their “GOAT” were to face Tom Aspinall inside the Octagon. While the announcement for Aspinall’s back-up status for UFC 309 did lead to some hope for the fans wanting to see a unification bout, Daniel Cormier isn’t too sure. Speaking on an episode of the ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show, the former champ-champ shared, “When Jon Jones got hurt the first time, Sergei Pavlovich was the backup fighter. Who fought? If somebody gets hurt, get ready for Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane. Mark my words.”

“This is EXACTLY what you would do (to) Tom. GOAT!!!!!!!”

To wrap things up, with UFC 309 fast approaching, Jon Jones has sent the fans into a frenzy over his latest training footage. The return of the 12-6 elbows to the mix has added another layer to the excitement, as fans eagerly await the showdown against Stipe Miocic but remain wary of ‘Bones’ expanded arsenal. The tension is palpable, and as the countdown to November 16 begins, the questions still linger – Can Jon Jones cement his legacy, or will Miocic’s long-awaited return surprise the world? And what about Tom Aspinall, waiting in the wings as a potential backup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!