We take a trip down memory lane to UFC 197 when two of the best light heavyweights in the world stood across each other inside the octagon
Jon Jones was set to make his eighth UFC light heavyweight title defense on 23rd May, 2015 against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187. However, the fight collapsed in an infamous incident involving Jones in a hit and run incident, where he crashed into a pregnant woman then fled the scene on foot. Daniel Cormier stepped in as replacement as Jones was stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely.
A rematch between the bitter rivals was targeted for UFC 197, however, Cormier pulled out of the fight succumbing to a foot injury. Ovince Saint Preux would step in against Jones in a fight to determine the interim light heavyweight champion of the world.
Preux was a tricky opponent for anyone at that point specially given the fact that Jones had to face an uphill task of rebranding himself after the debacle. Jones capitalized on his lengthy reach and superior wrestling abilities to keep the fight under control and nullified any offense by Ovince. The fabled Jones’ inventive striking was lacking and ring rust was quite evident.
He coasted his way to a comfortable 50-45 unanimous decision although he acknowledged the lackluster nature of the fight.
Jones immediately called out Cormier for a title unification bout in spectacular fashion.
Jon Jones hiatus from the octagon since early 2020
Jon Jones was last seen inside the cage at UFC 247 when he defended his light heavyweight throne against Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision.
Jones hinted at a potential move to heavyweight owing to lack of competition in the light heavyweight division. It would take him some time to bulk up to that weight naturally and for his body to get used to the new frame.
At the same time he openly criticized the organization for not paying him as his troubles outside the octagon continued to mount.
Jones as however kept himself busy and in shape. He was also seen training with former two division champion Henry Cejudo at Jackson’s MMA Acoma gym.
The UFC heavyweight division is at a record peak right now with fresh new talent and accomplished fighters all in the mix. It will be interesting to see where Jones fits in the title contention picture when he makes his debut in the talent stacked heavyweight division.
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