For the last couple of years, we’ve been wondering when Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC) would return to the UFC. A couple of years ago, there was an angle to make the fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. However, the fight never came together.
Jones had a bit of a falling out with the UFC after that. Then, Jones vacated the light heavyweight title and focused on moving up to heavyweight. The UFC and Jones seemed to be on good terms leading up to the title fight with Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic.
However, after Ngannou won the title by knockout, Dana White had some choice comments regarding Jones’ interest in the fight. Once again, this caused a bit of a fall out between the UFC and Jones. However, Jones remained focused and intent on fighting at heavyweight.
While most wanted to see him in 2021, the calendar turned over without a Bones fight. In January, Francis Ngannou defended his title successfully against Ciryl Gane. However, Ngannou required knee surgery after the fight and won’t fight until the end of the year at the earliest.
Interim UFC Heavyweight Title Fight
This injury has opened the doors to a fight that Dana White wants to make. The fight he wants to make would pit the greatest of all time against the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. White told TMZ that he wants to make Jon Jones – Stipe Miocic (20-4) happen this summer.
The UFC president said it’s the fight to make and their goal is to make it happen. It’s the perfect fight for the promotion. Obviously, it gets Jon Jones back in the octagon where he’s needed. It gives Stipe Miocic the opportunity to regain a piece of the heavyweight title.
This fight would also setup a huge seller against Ngannou regardless of the winner. If Jon Jones wins, it sets up arguably the biggest fight in the history of the promotion. If Stipe Miocic wins, it sets up the trilogy between the two men to see who is truly the best in the UFC.
The word is that the UFC is really pushing for this to headline one of the July PPVs. My guess is that they would love to get it done for International Fight Week. The fight isn’t done, but this is definitely something to watch over the coming weeks.