In 2021, J. Jones (center) will be able to trade forces against S. Miocic (left) and F. Ngannou (right). Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @JonnyBones
One of the greatest fighters in the history of MMA, Jon Jones officially left the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.) almost six months ago. Even outside, the North American continued to focus on information about the group he dominated for more than 10 years. This time, 'Bones' used irony to joke about the accusations that he had 'fled' the division due to a supposed fear of losing his status as champion.
See too
The first to be attacked was Dominick reyes, Jones' last opponent in the UFC. When they faced each other, for many, the then champion would have been defeated, in the UFC 247. Using images from Stipe Miocic e Francis Ngannou, likely opponents in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg.), Jon joked about the situation.
“I left light heavyweight because I was terrified of Dominick, even though Jan (Blachowicz) had secured a title shot. After the middleweight champion (Israel adesanya, up to 93kg.), suddenly it went up, I knew I made the right decision (to migrate to the up to 120,2kg group.). I'm glad I opted for the easy way out”, joked 'Bones', in his account on Twitter.
Blachowicz, who, in UFC 253, won the belt vacated by Jones in the fight against Reyes, was not forgotten by the former division leader. Responding to a fan, who shared an image of Ngannou – one of the most feared men in MMA today – Jones stated, in a joking tone, that he feared being defeated by the Pole in a possible confrontation. Afterwards, the provocation was directed at Adesanya.
“I couldn't see myself beating Jan. His style is something I've never seen before. Then, thinking about facing the middleweight 'changer' in 2021 was the final straw. I noticed that Francis’ takedown defense was worse and I had to run”, wrote the American.
'Bones', who will soon face the biggest challenge of his career, took the opportunity to mock those who minimize his plans for the future.
“I didn’t leave light heavyweight to challenge myself. I ran away out of fear,” he concluded.
Since confirming his departure from his former division, Jones has been preparing for his long-awaited debut in the category led by Stipe Miocic, which should take place in 2021. On social media, the MMA star has been publicizing his physical evolution to face the 'giants' of the under-120,2kg group on equal terms.
There is still no confirmation of a date or opponent for the North American in the new group. The expectation is that the athlete will face the division champion straight away. Jones, however, will have to wait for the clash between Miocic and Ngannou, who are expected to exchange forces in the first half.
I left the LHW division because I was deceiving of Dominic, even though Jan was guaranteed the next title shot.🤷🏾♂️ And then once the MW champ suddenly moved up, I knew I had made the right choice 😂 Glad I decided to go the easy route pic.twitter.com/3vXtuTvwcL
- BONY (@JonnyBones) January 2, 2021
Yep, just couldn't see myself beating Jan, his style is like nothing I've seen before 🥴and the thought of fighting a middleweight striker in 2021 was the final straw, figured Francis taking down defense was worse, had to run 🧠 https://t.co/88jAHojzlL
- BONY (@JonnyBones) January 2, 2021
I didn't leave the light heavyweight division to challenge myself, I ran out of fear 🥴😂 🐐 💩
- BONY (@JonnyBones) January 2, 2021
Comments