MMA fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Jon Jones’s next fight. It has become more than likely it will be in the heavyweight division. The first opponent that new heavyweight Jones faces will help answer many questions surrounding the athlete’s move up in weight.
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has made it clear he wants a crack at the possible new heavyweight contender in Jones. Therefore, it may be useful to review the state of the top heavyweights as well as where the former 205 lbs champion fits into the equation.
Ngannou may be out of contract by the end of the year. Therefore, a lot lies in whether Ngannou signs a new deal with the UFC. The African fighter is currently nursing a torn ACL and MCL. Meaning the fighter physically couldn’t fight until 2023 anyway.
The 35-year-old is increasingly showing off his new 260+ pound physique in preparation for his long-awaited move to the heavyweight division.
The heavyweight division seems to be a literal sleeping giant at the moment. With the addition of Jones and the hopeful return of Stipe Miocic and champion Francis Ngannou, the heavyweight division might just become the most interesting weight class inside the UFC going into 2023.
The Heavyweight Contenders
The Frenchman Cyril ‘Bon Gamin’ Gane put himself back in the win column earlier this month. A win over heavy hitter Tai Tuivasa solidified his number one contender spot.
Gane likes to stay active and has done in his UFC career. Meaning he may be more willing to fight down the rankings if the champion does not fight soon.
The French giant is 0-1 in title fights. However, the impressive performance against Tuivasa in Paris shows he is ready for Ngannou’s power once more.
‘Bon Gamin’ is not the only heavyweight back on track and in the win column in the top 5. Curtis Blaydes is in the number 3 spot after his doctor’s stoppage victory over Tom Aspinal in July.
Although the wrestler didn’t have much time to show his ability before the injury, Blaydes took little to no damage in London and, therefore, may be looking for a fight soon. Aspinall, on the other hand, needed surgery following the stoppage and may be on the sidelines for some time.
The Outskirts of the Heavyweight Top 5
The likes of Sergei Pavlovich and Derrick Lewis linger just outside the top 5. Both will either be waiting for their chance to either get back into the top of the division like Lewis or yearning to first appear like Pavlovich.
It was also confirmed that Lewis will be taking on Serghei Spivac on November 19th, adding Spivac to the list of possible contenders in 2023.
All of these possible contenders have been in the division for enough time to cement their names as serious threats in the heavyweight division.
But one man seems to have just as much claim title shot as the rest of them. Doing this without even fighting in the weight class before. However, with a resume like the one Jon Jones has, can you really blame the UFC for throwing his name into the mix?
Where Does Jon Jones Fit In?
Jon Jones has been one of the most dominant fighters the UFC has ever produced. The ex-205 champion has more championship wins than some current champions have fought in the promotion.
Jones hasn’t fought since his decision win over Dominic Reyes in February of 2020. The future hall of famer has spent the time of filling into his heavyweight potential. Claiming on social media, he now weighs over 260 pounds.
The UFC president Dana White has commented about the potential matchup of Jones against ex-champion Stipe Miocic on multiple occasions. Either saying it’s not the fight to make or that it makes sense, which he told TMZ Sports in April of this year.
Also adding he wanted that fight to be part of the UFC’s Summer plans. The former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic hasn’t fought since his frighting KO loss to current champion Francis Ngannou last year. Since then, the now 40-year-old has taken on the role of a full-time fireman back in his home town of Ohio. Some have speculated he may not return.
If the former champ does not return, Jones will be looking for a different opponent, and it is unsure whether Jones will get the immediate title fight or if the matchmakers of the UFC will make him test his new frame before the 265lbs monster Francis Ngannou.
Jones put a tweet out in August hinting that he wants to fight in UFC 282. The card is yet to have a headliner and may be the right time for his return. It would be very unlikely, however, that it would be for an undisputed belt due to Ngannou’s injuries.
Only time will tell what the UFC decides to do with the new heavyweight Jon Jones. Many questions whether his skill, speed and natural ability will carry over into his new heavier build against opponents unlike what he has ever faced before.
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