Dana White confirms that Jon Jones will get the next title shot at heavyweight
The heavyweight division is stacked at the top, now add Jon Jones to that and it is amazing. Literally, any one of the top five could be fighting for a title on any given day. The next shot was promised to Francis Ngannou who will step in to face champion Stipe Miocic in March. After that barring a situation that warrants an immediate rematch, the shot will go to Jones. White confirmed this on Saturday night when he spoke to Sportsnet prior to the UFC on ABC event.
“Jon Jones is going to move to heavyweight. We’re going to have Stipe vs. Francis, and the winner of that will probably fight Jon Jones,” White said. “The guy’s been the king of the light heavyweight division forever. I think he thinks it’s time to move up to heavyweight. He knows his body, he knows his abilities. Let me tell you, who wants to fight Francis Ngannou? The answer is nobody, okay? Nobody wants to fight that guy. But Jon Jones does.”
When Jones originally mentioned his desire to make the more to heavyweight many believed he would be the next to challenge Miocic for the belt. It seems that Jones is taking his time bulking up to make himself comfortable with the weight difference in opponent at heavyweight. He can be seen lifting on his Instagram and explains that he is moving in the right direction.
If Ngannou is the person Jones has his eye on then he very well might get that chance in Ngannou defeats Miocic in the rematch set for March. Miocic beat Ngannou by unanimous decision back in Jan. of 2018. Since that first meeting, Ngannou has gone on to win four in a row, all by TKO or KO. Miocic hasn’t done too bad himself, facing Daniel Cormier three times, winning the belt back, and defending his title.
Perhaps we will see Jones cageside when the heavyweight showdown happens at UFC 260 on March 17, If the fight takes place in Abu Dhabi, fans will be allowed.
