Jon Jones: ‘I will probably be competing in 2025, greater than doubtless’

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones says that he’ll more than likely return to the cage subsequent 12 months.

Jones defended his world title towards Stipe Miocic on the latest UFC 309 occasion inside Madison Sq. Backyard, ending the previous champ by way of third-round TKO to additional improve his legacy as being among the many best in blended martial arts historical past.

Nevertheless, a lot of the lead-in to the New York Metropolis combat card was centred across the candidacy of the interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has vocally campaigned for a combat with Jones since profitable a model of the heavyweight crown a 12 months in the past — however whom Jones has repeatedly distanced himself from, a lot to the ire of Aspinall and, judging by statements made on the matter by Dana White, the UFC brass additionally.

And talking throughout a latest interview, Jones mentioned that talks are underway about his subsequent combat — however he stopped in need of dropping any hints as to the doable id of his upcoming foe.

“So proper now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations, we’re in talks to see what occurs subsequent. I’m again within the gymnasium. I’m coaching. I really feel actually nice. The staff’s assist, they’re proper behind me, and we’ll simply be prepared for no matter alternative comes out means,” Jones mentioned, as famous by MMA News.

“There may be [a figure in mind], however I’m not going to debate that publicly. I will probably be competing in 2025, greater than doubtless.”

Jones assertion follows swiftly from comparable feedback made by Aspinall final week wherein he additionally outlined that the UFC has been involved concerning his subsequent combat.

“Yeah, we’re in negotiations proper now. That’s the trustworthy reply. So, we don’t know when the combat goes to be. However I’ll be able to go at any time when,” the Briton said.

I’m again within the gymnasium now. I’m again within the gymnasium coaching, as at all times. I’ll be able to combat after they let me know. Till then, I’ll be enhancing, I’ll be getting higher. So, no nice rush on that. Clearly, I wish to combat as quickly as doable. However, proper now, we’re simply ready on a date. That’s it.”

It stays to be seen if a deal could be struck to get the 2 best heavyweights on the UFC roster into the identical cage — however it seems to be turning into more and more apparent that the Jones-Aspinall bout ranks up there with any combat the organisation can e-book in 2025.