For a longtime, there was discussion and a belief that UFC interim light heavyweight champion Jon Jones would make the transition to heavyweight after cleaning out the roster at 205-pounds.
Jones himself even admitted he was considering the move and mentioned late-2016 as a possibility for the change in weight class.
But now it doesn’t appear as though that is the plan.
While speaking with the media to promote his upcoming title unification bout at UFC 200, Jones revealed he is no longer looking to move up in weight, mainly because he is taking things more seriously and has changed his lifestyle for the better.
“I’m looking at it as, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Jones said on the UFC Unfiltered podcast as transcribed by MMA Fighting. “You know, I used to eat bad and party all the time, and that made me think, well, maybe I won’t be able to manage staying at this size, staying at this weight. But you know, now, I’ve calmed myself down quite a bit through a life of sobriety and just a different outlook on my career and everything.
“I eat healthier naturally, and I just make better decisions naturally, so my weight cut has been better. I walk around with a better physique than I used to. I just feel and treat myself better, and I’m also almost 30 years old, so I’m not hitting any growth spurts this late in my life. So I’ve got a feeling that I can stay at this weight class for a long time.”
Rather than eyeing superfights at heavyweight, Jones claims his focus is on the top three challengers at light heavyweight.
So for the immediate future, his plan is to rack up cash and solidify his legacy.
“Right now I’ve got Daniel, (Alexander) Gustafsson, and (Anthony) ‘Rumble’ (Johnson), they’re the only three guys really that I’ve got to work harder than,” Jones said. “Those are the only three guys who can stop me from being the greatest ever. So, I think I’m going to stay at this weight class for a long time and focus on being better than those three until some new blood comes along, and try to rack up as much money and as many wins as I can.”
But will Jones really remain at light heavyweight for the duration of his career? Only time will tell. And if the UFC could offer a shot at two belts or a superfight against Brock Lesnar were the pair to win next weekend, anything is possible.
So, stay tuned…
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
