Jon Jones is confident the journey that lies ahead will end with him winning UFC gold in a second weight class.
Jones (20-1 MMA, 26-1 UFC), the former UFC light heavyweight champion, took to Twitter on Wednesday and expressed faith in his future at heavyweight. As followers of the sport await his highly anticipated debut, Jones is in no rush to get where he’s going.
“I’m finally at a point where I can see (there will be no competition in the GOAT conversation) as clear as day, I acknowledge that comfortably and confidently,” Jones said. “As soon as I can get my pay reflecting that, buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride. The legacy continues.”
Jones hasn’t competed since his UFC 247 win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020. While not totally clear or explicitly laid out, Jones indicated in another tweet that compensation differences with the UFC exist – something Jones and UFC president Dana White have butted heads over in the past.
“The current champion is 38, I’m only 33,” Jones said. “Mark my words eventually I will have that belt around my waist. There’s no rush. I’ll just keep building my body, I’ll focus on doing all the right things outside of the octagon, and hopefully one day the company will see more value in me.”
According to White, Jones’ heavyweight debut likely will be against the winner of the UFC 260 heavyweight title fight between champion Stipe Miocic (20-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) and second-time challenger Francis Ngannou (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC). Whoever the champion is after the March 27 showdown will fight Jones later this year – should all parties come to an agreement.
As Jones keeps bulking up, he continues to post updates of training sessions to his social media. On Tuesday, Jones uploaded a video clip of recent Zercher squats when he completed five repetitions of 435 pounds.
Old dog in the yard showing what grown man strength looks like. pic.twitter.com/DGPu4Dl5gG
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2021
I’m finally at a point where I can see that as clear as day, I acknowledge that comfortably and confidently. As soon as I can get my pay reflecting that, buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride. The legacy continues https://t.co/yRLBviexLm
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2021
The current champion is 38, I’m only 33, Mark my words eventually I will have that belt around my waist. There’s no rush. I’ll just keep building my body, I’ll focus on doing all the right things outside of the octagon, and hopefully one day the company will see more value in me. https://t.co/zAZQV7fE5b
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2021
Not in a rush, Jon Jones declares UFC heavyweight gold will be his: ‘The legacy continues’