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Jon Jones has flirted with the idea of moving to heavyweight for several years now, but as he continues to clean out the 205-pound division, a transition feels like it could be closer than ever.
At the very least, “Bones” believes capturing a title in a weight class above could secure his legacy among the sport’s greats, if not put him at the top of the mountain.
“In order to put a lot of this pound-for-pound who’s the greatest conversation to rest, I’m gonna have to maybe obtain a second belt in a different weight class,” Jones said during a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take. “I think that would really set me apart from a lot of the guys.”
Jones will defend his light heavyweight crown against Dominick Reyes in the UFC 247 headliner at the Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday night. If he is victorious, a showdown with the winner of the Corey Anderson–Jan Blachowicz rematch the following week could loom. However, more attractive matchups await at heavyweight, whether that’s a clash with current champ Stipe Miocic, a trilogy grudge match with rival Daniel Cormier or a dream fight against knockout artist Francis Ngannou.
The 32-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., resident has yet to commit to a timeline for the move, but he sounds confident that it will happen at some point.
“The move is inevitable,” he said. “I’m only getting better as a professional. I think I’m at a place and I have the team around me that could get me to that weight class in a safe and healthy way. I’m excited for when it does happen. I see nothing but good things.
“I’ve been competing against my brothers my whole life, who are both bigger than me, both Super Bowl champions. I feel like I’m ready for that lane.”
While light heavyweight was once regarded as the UFC’s marquee division, recent years have seen a lack of depth at 205 pounds. Jones, however, has a different view of the weight class.
“Light heavyweight fighters, we are truly the most versatile – while being fast and strong and athletic – it’s the most dangerous weight class, in my opinion,” he said. “Guys big enough to knock you out but still athletic enough and agile enough to do some really extraordinary things. It’s a tough weight class.
“So in a way, me moving up to heavyweight could be easier for me because I’m just used to a much faster pace of fighting.”