Jon Jones sees two potential dates for UFC return, loves time spent with 'amazing' Henry Cejudo
It’s been nearly two years sinceJon Jones stepped inside the UFC octagon, but the former light heavyweight champion thinks he’s closing in on his next appearance.
Depending on the winner of the UFC 271 heavyweight title fight Jan. 22, Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) predicts he could return as soon as April 2022.
“I’m looking to fight somewhere in April, possibly Madison Square Garden, or a total opposite date, possibly July at International Fight Week,” Jones told Albuqeuerque, N.M., TV station KRQE. “Those are the two dates that I’m kind of eying. I think it’ll depend on who wins in January between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, and we’ll just take it from there.”
Jones, 34, long has been in the transition stages of a move to heavyweight. Failed negotiations with the UFC delayed his return before he was arrested in September following an alleged domestic violence incident with his fiancee in Las Vegas. Jones is still waiting to find out if he’ll be charged in the case.
In the wake of his arrest, coach Mike Winkeljohn temporarily banned Jones from his long-time training home of Jackson Wink MMA until he made life changes. The news was not received well by Jones, who ripped Winkeljohn and declared he would not be returning to the facility.
Since then, Jones has continued to train with other Jackson Wink coaches, Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson, out of his home gym. He also visited Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Ariz. and plans on splitting time there.
“As far as fighting, I feel like I’m in tremendous shape,” Jones said. “I’m excited to still be representing Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just recently joined with a team called Fight Ready out of Arizona. So I’ll be representing both teams moving forward.”
Fight Ready MMA, led by coaches Santino Defranco, Eddie Cha, and Eric Albarracin, also serves as the home of former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo.
Jones revealed a particular bond with Cejudo, who is deeply involved with the gym and frequently trains there despite being retired.
“It’s amazing. Henry Cejudo is amazing,” Jones said. “He’s very family-oriented. He loves martial arts with all of his heart, and he’s a man of God, as well. We have that in common. It’s just a really good thing. I really enjoy the way he’s taken me under his wing and just shown me a different way of looking at the game. Not just the martial arts game, but the game of life. We talk about happiness and being real with emotions. His coaching is more than just combat tactics. He really tries to make you the best man you can be.
“It really feels like he’s a guy that I need to be around. I’m excited to grow. I’m excited to be more honest with myself than ever before and just elevate to a new place – a new place not only as an athlete, but spiritually and mentally. I’m excited.”