05 March 2023 , 07:48
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Jon Jones will face Stipe Miocic in the first defence of his UFC heavyweight title after winning the belt against Ciryl Gane.
Jones, 35, spent over three years away from the cage but made a triumphant return at UFC 285 in Las Vegas to choke out Gane just over two minutes into their title fight. 'Bones' is now one of the few two-weight champions in UFC history and the consensus greatest fighter of all-time already has his next challenger lined up, as he will face former champion Miocic later this year.
"I don't know when, but he's definitely fighting Stipe," White said before adding of Jones: "Can anybody deny this guy is the goat anymore? Not only is he is the greatest light-heavyweight ever but he also looks like the greatest heavyweight ever too. The guy is unf****ng believable, he seriously is. There is no doubt Jon Jones is special, he's fought all the best competition out there."
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Miocic was cageside to watch Jones make quick work of Gane and the new champion sent a warning to his future opponent. "Stipe Miocic, I hope you're training, my guy," he said. "You're the greatest heavyweight of all-time, and that's what I want. I want you — real bad." Miocic offered a nonchalant response to Jones' win as he said: "Good for him. Hey, you won. I'll see him in July. I'm going to train my a** off and I'm going to beat his a**."
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UFC 290, which takes place on July 8, is the frontrunner to host the heavyweight title fight. Miocic hasn't fought since losing his heavyweight title when he was knocked out by Francis Ngannou two years ago. Jones was overcome with emotion after his title win and was confident that he could beat Gane on the ground after feeling "goofy" on the feet.
Jon Jones will face Stipe Miocic in his first UFC heavyweight title defence"There were days that I didn’t want to train but I was always there. I knew if I got him down to the ground that the fight would be in my area as I’ve been wrestling since I was 12 years old and I feel stronger and most comfortable on the ground. I actually felt a little bit goofy on the feet as it's been while, but once I got my hands on him then I could take control," he said.
"All you prayer warriors out there, I felt you all week. I want to thank each and everyone one of you that prayed for me. I am so excited, I’ve been working for this for such a long time, A lot of people thought I would never come back, but I’ve been faithful to my goal. I’ve been faithful to the mission."