Jon Jones back lifting weights days after legacy win as rumours swirl about next fight
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was back in the gym days after dominating Stipe Miocic.
MMA fans still wonder whether Jones will fight again but he definitely is committed to maintaining his fitness.
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UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden followed the day after Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson.
Jones finished Miocic in the third round when he forced referee Herb Dean to stop the fight after a brutal spinning heel kick to the body of the 42-year-old followed by ground and pound punches.
But he was back training quickly after.
“Only five days removed from UFC 309, and the hunger is as fierce as ever," he posted on Instagram alongside him lifting weights.
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"Nursing a few battle scars, but the work never stops. Starting light with the weights, but every rep reminds me why I love this grind.
“I’m not here to predict the future—just to embrace every step, every challenge, every chance to push the envelope even further. The journey continues. Let’s see how far we can take this."
In a post-fight interview, when questioned about a possible fight to unify the belts with Tom Aspinall, Jones told fans he was looking elsewhere.
“I'm more worried about the [Alex] Pereira fight. That's what I really want to do.
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“And I think if the UFC wants to have me back, then I think that's the fight they will make.
“I have been very clear about my intentions, and that's what I want. I think anybody will understand about this point.
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“I will retire without the heavyweight belt if I have too. Give the guy what he wants. I'm at a place now I want to be in super-fights.”
Many fans have called Jones a duck for avoiding a fight with Aspinall, even the American has taken those comments on board as his Instagram and X profile picture is now a duck sporting the championship belt.
The 38-year-old has been a UFC fighter for 17 years, claiming his first championship at light-heavyweight aged 23, the youngest belt holder in the promotion’s history.
Aspinall, meanwhile, represents the new era of big hitters.
The Brit is favoured in a match-up with the GOAT as he is considerably quicker and heavier with deadly knockout power.
A reason why he averages the lowest ring time in UFC history at two minutes and two seconds thanks to six of his eight wins being via knockout.
He is also a jiu-jitsu black belt with two submission finishes in Dana White’s fight promotion.
An area Jones would aim to take advantage of due to his strength in wrestling but Aspinall has the ability to nullify it.
Perhaps Jones will be happy to never fight again as he delves into other careers. He made his first acting appearance in new French Netflix show The Cage.
If he does then his position as the GOAT is well earned.
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