on ‘Bones’ Jones remains one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, regardless of how active he is in the octagon. A controversial figure, his match with Stipe Miočić towards the end of last year was perfectly teed up to be one of the UFC’s biggest of the year and in the heavyweight division for some time.
It didn’t quite work out that way, though, and since, Jones has made his way to the headlines repeatedly. Interim heavyweight champion, under Jones himself, Tom Aspinall went to a meet-and-greet to see the champ, but it didn’t exactly end cordially. Now, the Jaxxon Podcast says the UFC champion is gearing up for some big news.
Making good on making Miocic wait
On the podcast at the end of May, Rampage Jackson refused to divulge what the big announcement would be, but it seems unlikely to be a change in Jones’ plans. Before his planned UFC 295 meet with Stipe Miočić, he tore his pectoral tendon attempting a takedown on his sparring partner – as the video above showcases. After needing to undergo surgery, ESPN reported an Instagram post made by Jones to apologize to Miočić for being forced to pull out of the event. At the time, Jones was expected to miss around eight months. However, during his recovery, the UFC heavyweight champion opted to bite the bullet and also get elbow surgery.
Even with the additional surgery, Jones is expected to recover from both within the eight-month window originally predicted. On that prognosis, Jones would be recovered from the pectoral surgery in June. Factor in a training camp to get fully fighting fit again, and we’re maybe looking at a late summer walk to the octagon.
Despite the noise, it will be Jones vs. Miocic
With an interim belt-holder in play, the drama around Jon Jones has continued to swirl at breakneck speed. Still, Dana White has come out to confirm that Jones’ next UFC fight will be against Stipe Miočić as planned last year. This puts the pound-for-pound No.2 and top heavyweight against the sixth-ranked heavyweight in the UFC.
Of course, rankings mean very little in the octagon, and the pressure will be on Jones after his surgery and the apparent rivalry with Aspinall brewing. As the MMA guide on The Punters Page details, it’s all about the key details, and in this regard, Miocic tops Jones in some key stats highlighted.
Significant strikes landed per minute and significant striking accuracy are showcased as two of the most important stats in UFC statistical analysis for betting. Jones’ stands at 4.29 and 58 percent, respectively, while Miocic squares up with 4.82 and 53 percent. Still, what makes Jones such a dangerous fighter is his ground game.
More often than not, a highly skilled wrestler will beat a keen striker. The 20-4-0 is fairly strong on takedown defense at 68 percent, but his 1.86 takedown average per 15 minutes and zero submissions speak to a keen striker. Jones loves a takedown, going for 1.93 per 15 minutes with seven submissions to his 27-1 record.
Before the fight’s even officially announced, and even considering the surgeries, Jones will be the favorite to conquer Miocic and go on to face Aspinall to try to confirm his place atop the UFC’s heavyweight world.
