Jon Jones says he's 'preparing to fight' Stipe Miocic at UFC 282, unsure of ex-champ's status

As far as Jon Jones is concerned, he’s fighting former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic before the year is over – and he’s training accordingly.

Jones made that crystal clear Tuesday when he responded to a fan’s question on Twitter asking when he’ll return to the octagon.

“I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas,” Jones tweeted. “Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape.”

Jon Jones says he's prepping to return against Stipe Miocic on the final PPV of 2022. #UFC282 | More: https://t.co/VFnNSaCCfU pic.twitter.com/Byt55Kwksc

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 25, 2022

UFC 282 takes place Dec. 10 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and currently is slated to be headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira. Miocic vs. Jones would figure to headline over that matchup if it came to fruition.

Even with Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) stating his intention to fight Miocic on Dec. 10, he could end up challenging UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou at a later date after Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick of Xtreme Couture, told MMA Junkie Radio this past weekend that an unnamed UFC executive told him the promotion “1 million percent” would like to make that fight in March 2023.

Jones, 35, hasn’t competed since narrowly defeating Dominick Reyes by unanimous decision in February 2020 to retain the UFC light heavyweight championship. Later that year, Jones vacated the 205-pound title during a highly publicized dispute with UFC president Dana White over his contract situation. Soon after, Jones announced his intention to fight at heavyweight. He’s been bulking up to make the move ever since.

Miocic, 40, last competed in March 2021 when he lost the UFC heavyweight title to Ngannou by second-round knockout. Miocic, who also works as a firefighter in Ohio, hasn’t publicly expressed interest in a return to MMA.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 282.