LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Jon Jones’ first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight title defense is already confirmed. “Bones” is once again a UFC champion, finishing Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in the first round last night (Sat., Mar. 4, 2023) to become Heavyweight champion (watch highlights).
“I don’t know when, but he’s definitely fighting Stipe [Miocic],” UFC President, Dana White, told the media when asked if “International Fight Week” was the future plan at UFC 285’s post-fight press conference (watch it).
Earlier in the week, Miocic — a former Heavyweight champion who holds the record for most UFC Heavyweight title defenses ever — revealed that he had the next shot at Jones.
With both parties seemingly already onboard for the summer showdown, Jones didn’t waste time promotiong the “G.O.A.T. vs. G.O.A.T.” collision.
“You want to see me beat up Stipe?” Jones barked during his in-cage interview. “One thing I know about the UFC is we give the fans what they want to see. Stipe Miocic, I hope you’re training, my guy. You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that’s what I want. I want you real bad.”
Stipe’s reaction to Jon Jones’ call out at UFC 285 pic.twitter.com/TuM3Lp2Sar
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) March 5, 2023
Prior to UFC 285, the last time Jones scored a first round finish was a decade ago when he finished Chael Sonnen at UFC 159. “Bones” picked up a “Performance of the Night” bonus for the buttery-smooth submission, too. Miocic, meanwhile, has not fought since suffering a first round knockout to the aforementioned Ngannou at UFC 260 (watch it).
For complete UFC 285 results and highlights click HERE.
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