UFC Confirms Next Jon Jones Opponent if Francis Ngannou Found Unfit for Heavyweight Championship Clash

Jon Jones is among the most coveted names in the entire MMA World. Many regard the UFC Light Heavyweight fighter as one of the best to ever grace the Octagon. ‘Bones’ had his last UFC fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on 8 February 2020. It’s been more than two years since then. However, his fans have only been subjected to speculation.

But, the UFC has finally come up with something for Jones’ fans to cheer about. Since the UFC seems to be desperate to have Jones back in the Octagon, they have also planned a backup for Ngannou, in case he misses the fight. 

The UFC has Curtis Blaydes as the backup fighter against Jon Jones

The UFC Heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, has been out of action due to two ligament injuries. ‘The Predator’ sustained these injuries during a sparring session prior to his championship unification bout against Cyril Gane, in January 2022. Ngannou also had contract disputes with the UFC and had refused to fight until a pay raise.

Watch this Story – Francis Ngannou’s grueling training routine for his title defense against Cyril Gane

But the UFC is looking forward to making this event happen since it might be a huge revenue gainer due to Jones’ highly awaited return to the Octagon. There has been no confirmed news about Ngannou being fully fit to compete as of now. Hence, the UFC has already selected the Heavyweight fighter, Curtis Blaydes, as a backup for Francis Ngannou to fight Jones.

Jones to return as a heavyweight

Jones went on to give up his Light Heavyweight title on August 2020 due to a disagreement with the UFC boss, Dana White. It was also reported that the prime cause behind this was fighter pay. But currently, Jones seems to have settled all issues with White and is all set for his return.

‘Bones’ has been vocal about his target of competing as Heavyweight multiple times. He has posted a number of videos of his training sessions on his social media handles, along with expressing his desire to fight in the Heavyweight division of the UFC.

His tweet on October 26 read, “I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape.”

Although, this “December 10” plan of ‘Bones’ won’t be coming to life. But his desire to step into the Heavyweight division of the UFC is quite apparent from this tweet.

READ MORE – “Just Fight, Fight, the Money Coming” – Khamzat Chimaev Gives His Opinion on Francis Ngannou’s UFC Contract Dispute

The UFC was, in turn, quick to notice that ‘Bones’ was “ready to compete”. The current rumors state that the UFC has devised a plan to put the current Heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, as the opponent for Jones’ return. It is also being said that the fight is expected to be scheduled for UFC 285 on 5 March 2023.

It can be said that most MMA fans would want to watch a Ngannou vs Jones showdown for his return to the Octagon. But even if it doesn’t happen, the UFC seems to have a well-devised backup plan to resist the fans’ disappointment.

How excited are you to watch the return of ‘Bones’? Whom do you want him to fight, Ngannou or Blaydes?