Anthony Smith (L) throws a punch during a light heavyweight title bout against Jon Jones during UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on March 02, 2019 (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)
Jon Jones vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight title as he moved up one division
Anthony “Lionheart” Smith battles Aleksandar Rakic at UFC Fight Night 175 and will be looking to bounce-back.
The Light Heavyweight lost his last fight to Glover Teixeira and that put a dent into his title plans. The 32-year-old had battled Jon Jones for the title at UFC 235 but lost that battle.
However, Smith could be back in contention if he gets another win under his belt. Smith was speaking to the Schmo before his fight and was asked about Jones’ future.
Jones, who is regarded as one of the greatest ever, moved to the Heavyweight division and vacated the Light Heavyweight crown.
The former champ is keen on winning the Heavyweight title and Smith shared his views on the former Light Heavyweight:
“It would be really surprising to see Jon Jones in a fight that wasn’t for the title.
“I know Stipe [Miocic] has already said he’s not real happy with the Francis [Ngannou] fight since it doesn’t excite him because he’s already beat him and he wants a fresh challenger.
“If it’s not Francis it’s probably going to be Jon Jones.”
The problem for Jones is that Ngannou is the one who wants a shot at Miocic first. Miocic defeated Daniel Cormier to keep his title and has beaten Ngannou in the past too.
Miocic isn’t keen on a rematch and that could open the door for Jones. However, Jones getting a title shot in his first fight would also be a bit of a kick towards Ngannou.
The UFC has a tough decision to make about this but it makes the Heavyweight division interesting. They had a bit of a hole to fill up after Cormier’s retirement, but Jones moving up is a great move for the UFC.
This was an exclusive interview from The Schmozone Podcast. For more exclusive interviews and content please follow the link.
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