When UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones looks at his fighting future, he likes what he sees. That’s because the possibilities seem endless.
In his own division, there’s a potential next title defense against top contender Jan Blachowicz, who’s riding a three-fight winning streak. Or there could be rematches with Dominick Reyes and Thiago Santos, two challengers who’ve given Jones some of his toughest tests.
There’s also Jones’ continued feud with current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, which continues to spark talk of a future showdown.
And if that’s not enough, what about heavyweight? Having dominated the 205-pound division for nearly 12 years, Jones has flirted with moving up a division – and might have already in 2017 if not for a failed drug test. In recent days, Jones has beefed with Francis Ngannou and teased being ready to fight “The Predator.”
All this is to say that Jones’ options are plenty. And he knows it.
“Got fights all over the place at heavyweight, the Thiago and Dominic rematches, Middleweights talking big and of course Jan waiting for his opportunity,” Jones tweeted Saturday. “Call it what you want, your boys hot right now. I got a feeling my career is about to blow up and I am going to be ready for it.”
Jones, who won a controversial split decision in February against Reyes, hoped to have an active 2020. The global coronavirus pandemic has complicated those plans, with the UFC temporarily shutting down until restarting operations this week.
Not only that, 32-year-old Jones again found himself in legal trouble in March after he shot a gun in downtown Albuquerque, N.M., while under the influence. Jones was arrested for DWI and negligent use of a firearm, and he reached a plea deal to avoid jail time.
UFC president Dana White said the promotion will not discipline Jones for his actions, meaning he’s free to return when he’d like – and against whomever he chooses from his options.
As he seemingly prepares to make that choice, Jones already is confident of his standing in MMA history.
“I’m already the greatest light heavyweight there’s ever been,” Jones tweeted. “GOAT conversation been over. As far as pound for pound best, been in and out of that conversation my entire career, that’s always just going to be an opinion.”
Jon Jones has a feeling his UFC career is 'about to blow up.' Will it?