Jon Jones is less than two weeks away from challenging Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 285. Yet even after being removed from active competition for the past three years, Jones noted that preparing for Gane has not been especially difficult.
“There’s nothing hard about it,” Jones says. “I’m doing what I was born to do: goal-setting and conquering.”
Nonstop speculation over the past decade led to rampant interest in Jones’ long-awaited debut at heavyweight, which is finally happening on March 4. It would have been fascinating to see him match-up against Francis Ngannou, but the versatile Gane will be an interesting test for the 35-year-old Jones.
“I’ve been training my ass off,” Jones says. “I always train with a goal in mind, and this is what I’ve been working for constantly and consistently over the past three years. I’ve been dedicated for a long time. I don’t need any more time. I’m prepared, I’m excited. I’m ready to snatch this opportunity.”
Jones has been training with former UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, an asset that he believes has provided him with an edge—mentally and physically—as he approaches the title fight.
“Henry was one of the youngest Americans in Olympic history,” Jones says. “As a wrestler, you have to respect the level of work he’s put in. I respect all of his knowledge. He’s a very special young man, and I’m smart enough to surround myself with one of our country’s best. I’m just grateful to be aligned with him.”
Both Jones and Cejudo have spent considerable time on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list, which features the best fighters in the world. There has been controversy recently regarding whether Alexander Volkanovski or Islam Makhachev should be ranked first, especially after Makhachev defeated Volkanovski. Jones noted that the list is based on people’s opinions—and, if he has his way against Gane, he intends to reclaim the top spot.
“It’s a popularity contest,” Jones says. “It changes, it shifts. I haven’t competed in a long time, and my goal is to return and remind everyone of who I am—and put that [pound-for-pound] conversation to rest.”
Another interesting aspect to Jones’ upcoming bout at 285 is the possibility that Daniel Cormier will be on headset providing commentary. Jones posted last week on Twitter that he would be honored to have Cormier call his bout, and he added more context when discussing his feelings toward his longtime rival.
“Yesterday is yesterday,” Jones says. “If we’re not evolving and growing, something is wrong. Daniel Cormier deserves my respect. The way he’s elevated me, that’s what I’m focused on right now. I’m grateful for his existence.”
The time away from the cage has only added to Jones’ complicated, controversial journey. But he sees a purpose to his work in MMA, all building to his heavyweight debut.
Jones is incredibly close to UFC 285. It is imperative for his fighting future, and even his legacy, that he arrives to the T-Mobile Arena without any further complications.
“It’s been an awesome display of patience,” Jones says. “I’ve stayed focused. I’ve remained patient. Now I’m waiting on my destiny.”
