Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones may be waiting a little longer to make his heavyweight debut.
While rumors have flown recently about a potential Jones vs. Stipe Miocic match-up during this year’s International Fight Week in July, that appears to have been pushed back. Jones addressed the subject Tuesday on social media, revealing that Miocic had a preference for a September date.
“Stipe is saying that he will be at his absolute peak in September. I’m disappointed but patient, I want the heavyweight goat at his absolute best,” wrote Jones. “I’ll wait until September. No excuses.”
A potential September date was first reported by Alex Behunin on Monday’s episode of Cageside Live.
Jones (26-1, 1NC) last competed in February of 2020, defending his light heavyweight title for the final time at UFC 247 against Dominick Reyes. He would vacate the belt that August, with talks swirling regarding a match-up with Francis Ngannou.
The fight would never come to fruition, even after “The Predator” defeated Miocic to claim heavyweight gold. Now, with Ngannou healing up from a knee injury (not to mention having fought out his most recent contract), an interim title could be on the line between Jones and Miocic when they meet.
Miocic (20-4), for his part, has also endured an extended absence. He has not competed since losing his belt to Ngannou in March 2021 at UFC 261. A two-time heavyweight champion in the UFC, Miocic still holds the record for most consecutive title defenses in the weight class, at three.
