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Jon Jones Set For UFC Return Saturday – Will Fight For Heavyweight Title

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 03: Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones waits in a timeout as he defends his title against Daniel Cormier during the UFC 182 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 3, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones retained his title by unanimous decision.

Jon Jones is set to make his return to the octagon next week and fight for a new belt.

The 35-year-old hasn’t fought since 2020 after he defeated Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 to defend his Light Heavyweight belt once again.

Since then, Jones has dealt with multiple legal issues.

This includes a battery domestic violence charge and injuring and tampering with a vehicle in 2021 that took place in Las Vegas.

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Jones wound up accepting a plea deal so he could avoid jail time.

Also, he was arrested for using a firearm and an aggravated DWI in New Mexico in 2020, along with a number of other legal issues.

Despite that, he is set to make his return on Saturday, March 4, and fight Ciryl Gane for the Heavyweight belt at UFC 285.

By many, Jones is considered to be one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time – but his out-of-the-Octagon actions have tarnished his legacy.

He holds a 26-1 record in his UFC career with one no-contest and has defended his Light Heavyweight Title 11 times.

But now Jones will be heading to the Heavyweight division to fight Gane.

The hope was that Jones would fight Francis Ngannou – but he was stripped of his belt as he recovers from a knee injury and failed to reach a deal on a new contract.

Ngannou holds a professional record of 17-3.

Currently, Jones is a -160 favorite against Gane.

Also included on UFC 285 is Valentina Shevchenko, who will look to defend her flyweight belt once again against Alexa Grasso.

The full main card can be viewed on ESPN+ for $79.99.

Anthony Russo