Jon Jones may have vested interest in UFC 270’s heavyweight title fight, but he won’t be there in person to witness it.
The former UFC light heavyweight king is gearing up for his heavyweight debut and could be looking at the winner of Saturday’s title unification bout between undisputed champion Francis Ngannou (16-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) and interim champ Ciryl Gane (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC).
But when asked if he’ll be in attendance for the fight, which takes place at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) told ESPN he’d rather focus on training.
“Right now I’m on a perfect training routine, don’t wanna disturb it for anything. No need to flatter these big boys, excited to get the job done when it’s time.”
Many have had their doubts on Jones actually competing at heavyweight, including Ngannou and UFC president Dana White, who said Jones would be better off watching Ngannou vs. Gane at home.
Jones hasn’t competed since he retained his light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes in February 2020. He relinquished the title later that year and announced a move to heavyweight, which hasn’t yet officially come to fruition with a fight booking.
Jon Jones says he won’t attend UFC 270: ‘No need to flatter these big boys’