Jon Jones made his highly-anticipated return to the octagon at UFC 309 earlier this month. He was able to defeat Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO to defend his heavyweight title for the first time. 'Bones' recently shared an update on when fans can expect to see him compete again, revealing that he is in negotiations to fight in 2025.
Speaking to The Schmo, the heavyweight champion stated:
"Right now, the UFC and I, we're in negotiations. We're in talks to see what happens next. I'm back in the gym. I'm training. I feel really great. The team's support, they're right behind me. And we'll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes our way."
Jones revealed he has a magic number for his return but won't publicly reveal the amount. He was then asked if he believes he will fight next year, responding:
"Yes, yes, I will be competing in 2025, more than likely."
Check out Jon Jones' comments on fighting in 2025 below (starting at the 1:58 mark):
Jones has expressed an interest in a superfight against Alex Pereira next, while UFC CEO Dana White shared that the promotion wants him to face Tom Aspinall. 'Bones' previously revealed that he would be open to the bout for the right compensation.
Michael Bisping compares Jon Jones to Jake Paul
Jon Jones has shared that he prefers to compete in superfights as his illustrious mixed martial arts career winds down. Michael Bisping recently criticized the mentality of the heavyweight champion, comparing him to Jake Paul.
Speaking on his podcast, Believe You Me, the UFC Hall of Famer claimed:
"Jon can do whatever he wants. My only issue is, as a man, as a fighter, is him saying he doesn't have this obligation to fight these young, up-and-coming, hungry, dangerous guys that have an ability to beat him. I don't get that. That's what my problem is with Jake Paul. Fighting guys that he knows he can beat."
Check out Michael Bisping's comments on Jon Jones below (starting at the 13:49 mark):
Bisping claimed that Jones has a clear path to victory in a potential matchup with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. He claimed that 'Bones' would take 'Poatan' down as he did to Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic but questioned his ability to take down Tom Aspinall. It remains to be seen what will come next for the heavyweight champion.