Jon Jones will mark his return in the UFC octagon on March 5 at the main event of UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane for the world heavyweight championship. The former light heavyweight champion will be returning to the octagon after a long-layoff of 3 years. Jones, who is still undefeated inside the octagon, will have a chance to be crowned as the new heavyweight champion by defeating Gane. However, this will be Jones’ first-ever fight in the heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, Jones recently slammed a UFC fan on Twitter, who took a dig at him and said that he only showed up after Francis Ngannou left UFC. Jones didn’t like the remarks and slammed the user, he said,
“Yeah, that’s funny, that’s not how it happened my friend. I was ready to fight about six months ago, you all heard Dana [White], ‘Ready to fight absolutely anyone.’ Francis should’ve had this fight, not Gane. Nice try though.” Jones tweeted.
I don’t think I deserve any criticism: Jon Jones
The 35-year-old might still be interested to fight against Ngannou in the future if the former heavyweight champion decides to make a comeback, but first, he has to focus on the clash against Gane as Jones will be fighting for the first time after three years in the octagon at UFC 285. Jones said that Francis had the chance to fight but he refused it and that’s not his fault.
“I don’t think I deserve any criticism, I’m here. I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.” Jones told RMC Sport.
“I felt bad for the fans. I know that would have been a massive fight for the fans,” Jones said. “People from all around the world would have loved to see that event. And I’m not counting it out – I could see Francis going and fighting in boxing and doing whatever he’s going to do. I think he’s always going to be welcome back to the UFC. That’s always going to be a big, big fight, and I’ll be ready for him.”
