Jones debating 'warmup fight' vs. title bout in return from suspension
Jon Jones' future appears to be as nebulous as it was the day he was suspended.
"Bones" is currently serving a one-year ban for violating the USADA's anti-doping policy last summer, and is widely expected to be tapped for a shot at regaining the light heavyweight crown - which bitter rival Daniel Cormier is set to defend against Anthony Johnson at Saturday's UFC 210 in Buffalo - upon returning in July. But in a recent conversation with FloCombat's Duane Finley, the former champ revealed he's entertaining the notion of starting his comeback with a non-title bout.
"It is really good to be back, but as far as fighting the winner, I haven't come to any type of an agreement with the UFC as far as who I'll be fighting," Jones said. "I'm still debating whether or not I should take a warmup fight or jumping right back in there for the title. I don't really know what is going to happen and I don't have much of a plan at this time."
A native of upstate New York, Jones will be in attendance at Saturday's card. If the 38-year-old Cormier retains and Bones is indeed booked to face him in a rematch, the former champ expects the bout to be as lopsided as their first, which he took by unanimous decision at UFC 182.
"It's going to be a real bad night for Daniel when the time comes," Jones said. "I've only gotten better in my time off and preserved my body. I've had no injuries or concussions, meanwhile he's been battling and getting injured. I'm excited, man. I truly believe I'm coming into my prime and he's definitely beyond his.
"He's only gotten older and weaker and I'm excited to get in there and dominate him when the time comes."
The bitter rivals were initially expected to meet again at UFC 200, a bout that was scrapped due to Jones' doping violation, the sanctions of which he's currently serving. The incident marked the latest of many trials outside the cage, and news of Jones finally addressing the media Friday has drawn much ire from Cormier during fight week. When dishing on the reigning champ's apparent obsession with him, Jones asserted that his longtime foe knows he'll never avenge the loss he handed him.
"I feel like he knows in his heart that he can't beat me," Jones said. "That's what frustrates him the most. He talks about me being a recovering alcoholic and all this type of shit, but the reality of it is he still lost to a guy who wasn't taking things seriously at that point of his career. He needs to come up with a reason why, and he can't."