Heavyweight newcomer, Jon Jones cites curious motivation for testing in the new division: 'Different from anything else'

J. Jones is preparing for his long-awaited heavyweight debut in 2021. Photo: Reproduction/InstagramPhoto: Reproduction/Instagram

Without fighting for almost a year, Jon Jones He has dedicated the last few months to preparing for his long-awaited debut at heavyweight (up to 120,2kg). The best athlete in history in the under-93kg division, the North American is more motivated than ever for one of the biggest challenges of his victorious career. In an interview with 'ESPN', the fighter revealed a curious reason, which makes him train harder and harder to face his opponents next year.

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“The light heavyweight division was fun, but I wasn’t scared of those guys anymore. Neither of them. I think it showed in some of my performances. Obviously, I still train hard, but there was no danger in my last fights”, said 'Bones'.

Out of his category since August, when he gave up his belt and made his migration to the group of athletes up to 120,2kg official, Jon then stated what he expects from the test. The fighter surprised by saying that 'fear' was an important factor in accepting the challenge.

“I respect the guys I'm going up to face. They're intimidating as hell. It makes me look at things in a totally different way,” she said.

When he made his decision to change categories public, Jones was assured that his debut would be for the division belt. The words came from the mouth of UFC president, Dana White, who reinforced the idea based on the fact that 'Bones' had been dominant at light heavyweight for a decade.

Even so, Jones still has doubts about how he would like to promote his debut in the division. The opportunity to debut fighting for the title is obvious, but the athlete is also analyzing the possibility of testing himself against one of the top-10 representatives.

“I think and change my mind. Sometimes I think I should face a top-10, and just get my feet wet, understand what it's like. At other times, I think: 'Fuck it. Let's go big or go home.' I want to fight for money. I like to take care of everyone around me”, he concluded.

Although he is motivated and visibly physically well, there is still no prediction as to when Jon's long-awaited debut will take place in the category led by Stipe Miocic. The current heavyweight champion is expected to face Francis Ngannou in early 2021.