Jon Jones lays out future roadmap after Ciryl Gane’s showdown at UFC 285, discusses next opponent, new physique and big bucks

Jon Jones has detailed his future with the UFC.

Ahead of his heavyweight debut, “Bones” wanted to restructure his contract to ensure it got its value. After months of negotiations, the former UFC light heavyweight champion came to terms with promotion, resulting in his upcoming fight against Ciryl Gane being booked.

After announcing a new partnership with Kanpai Pandas, Jones joined a Twitter room with the company NFT and talked about his new deal by saying:

“Oh yes, he definitely has. I had eight fights left on my contract, I just wasn’t happy with my percentages. We just increased the pay and basically picked up where we left off in my involvement with the UFC. Hopefully I can get through all eight fights, that’s a lot of fighting at 35 years old. We will see.”

Jon Jones rarely gives interviews these days, but his recently announced partnership with Kanpai Pandas seemed to make it easy for him to open up. ‘Bones’ was asked who would be next if he beat Gane at UFC 285. The 35-year-old heavyweight responded by saying:

“I have my sights set on Stipe Miocic. I think it just means the most. There’s a lot of people out there, but to me personally, to my legacy of beating the greatest heavyweight of all time, it just means the most to me… As for how soon I can get out of this fight, hopefully no serious injuries, but i would like to get [back] out as soon as possible. My goal is two to three fights, depending on how it looks.”

Before he focuses on the next steps, Jones has a tough test ahead of him. ‘Bones’ hasn’t fought heavyweight yet and is jumping into deep waters against a former interim champion. Benefiting from his third-round KO of Tai Tuivasa, Gane believes his heavyweight experience will pay off at UFC 285.

Watch Jon Jones announce his new partnership below:

Jon Jones describes the struggles in transforming his body for the heavyweight division

Love him or hate him, Jon Jones made the right decision by taking his time to prepare for heavyweight. He last fought in February 2020 and has spent the last three years transforming his body. In the same Twitter room, Jones had this to say about his preparations for the new division:

“One of the hardest things was not being able to lose my shape while still trying to gain 40 pounds. I think when the fans see me they will be surprised that I still look the same as I used to — [although] My shoulders are a lot broader, I’ve gained a hell of a bunch of ass unfortunately – but I’m just trying to keep that shape and do it right.

Jon Jones has a lot of questions to answer on March 4th. The 35-year-old needs to prove he’s still just as dangerous at heavyweight, especially after a long layoff. Still, fans and analysts alike can’t forget that “Bones” is arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

If he can emerge victorious against Ciryl Gane, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion would add another win to his legendary career.