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Jon Jones is either trolling everyone or he’s going to be fighting again far sooner than any of us imagined.
It started off simple, with Jones doing something he has done rather often in recent weeks: taking a shot at Israel Adesanya, who had just gone on Joe Rogan’s MMA podcast.
Never seen a person carry a conversation by themselves like that before, impressive Joe Rogan.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
But Jones didn’t stay on the topic of Adesanya for long. Up and Tweeting, Jones quickly shifted to what was next for him and hinted that fans might be seeing him far sooner than expected.
Just a few weeks away from my next fight, can’t wait for you guys to find out when.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
The only event that would make sense for Jones to be fighting at in a few weeks would be UFC 245, except that show already is the most stacked card of the year, featuring three title fights as well as two other marquee bouts that could headline events on their own. Not to mention a the short time frame would hinder marketing efforts for one of the UFC’s biggest stars. However, the UFC’s next pay-per-view event following UFC 245, UFC 246, is set for Jan. 18th and still does not have a main event (though Conor McGregor is rumored to be returning then). It’s also possible, perhaps probable that Jones is implying his fight announcement will be made in a few weeks, but if that’s the case, he’s already let the cat out of the bag as to who he’ll be facing.
Continuing on his Tweet-storm, Jones teased out who he would be facing next before eventually revealing Dominick Reyes is the man who will be getting the title shot.
OK, the person I’ll be fighting has something in common with Ryan Bader and Daniel Cormier. https://t.co/f4jOEy1P6P
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
Ding ding ding!! https://t.co/0ZaohmUblQ
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
Jones has previously made it known that, of the possible contenders at 205, he thinks Reyes is the most interesting challenge. However, he also hasn’t seemed tremendously enthused about facing Reyes, instead seemingly more interested in a fight with Adesanya or perhaps, even taking a couple years off to wait for more exciting challenges to present themselves in the division. But Jones says after some contemplation, he’s ultimately decided to just keep on defending his title against whoever is around as a way to keep himself motivated.
Yeah I was thinking about holding out and playing money games but I said screw it. I’m only young once, I got plenty of money. I’m out after these contenders hearts, I’m out here dream collecting https://t.co/5W5rvpVWLo
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
Yeah it does, we can’t count the homeruns of yesterday. I feel most alive when I have a mission https://t.co/HB6KStEQkF
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 14, 2019
Well, there are worse ways to occupy his time while Jones waits for 2021.
MUST-READ STORIES
Debut. Frankie Edgar’s bantamweight debut set for UFC Raleigh against Cory Sandhagen.
Out. Carlos Condit forced out of fight against Mickey Gall at UFC on ESPN 7.
Giblert. Gilbert Melendez was ‘ready to move on’ from the UFC, undecided on fighting future.
Heavyweight. Junior dos Santos vs. Curtis Blaydes expected to headline UFC Raleigh on Jan. 25.
Grappling. Luke Rockhold to test grappling skills vs. Nick Rodriguez at Polaris 12.
VIDEO STEW
The A-Side Live Chat.
Fighter Focus: Jan Blachowicz.
Shogun on his title fights with Machida.
Nick Diaz working the speed bag.
Artem Lobov reflects on Jason Knight rematch and Hick Diaz’s bathroom stall brawl.
Khabib Q&A with school kid in Moscow. Says he hasn’t enjoyed winning in a while. Except McGregor.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands. Discussing Jacare’s move to 205, Shogun hanging around, and Zabit.
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Jan Blachowicz, Paul Craig, and Chuck Zito.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Izzy’s thoughts on humility.
sTAy hUmBuLL!
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) November 14, 2019
...humm deez nuts! https://t.co/sxeQFlF42u
Specialty training.
We've had a special training camp ahead of fighting Jacare at #UFCSP . pic.twitter.com/doiVaKcfmz
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 14, 2019
Still trying.
The Baddest Mother Fucker #theresurrection https://t.co/3aC4u9oWcv
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) November 14, 2019
Zhang Weili hinting at a fight with Joanna.
Mickey Gall with the respect.
Lauren Murphy seems pretty pumped about getting to fight in Houston.
Weidman wants the winner of Rockhold vs. Rodriguez at Polaris.
I like this ! I’ll take the winner. https://t.co/7Nrrd0T1kb
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 14, 2019
Chuck.
Look 1) I’m talking about when we were fighting 2) I’d take him down so he’d have one shot on my way in 3) I’m a big fan of mike and have no desire to fight him. But hypothetically speaking, when we were fighting, yes I would’ve beat him! https://t.co/EYKCogSs60
— Chuck Liddell (@ChuckLiddell) November 14, 2019
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Paddy Pimblett (14-3) vs. Joe Giannetti (8-2-1); Cage Warriors 111, Nov. 22.
Neiman Gracie (9-1) vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC); Bellator 236, Dec. 21.
Kai Kamaka III (5-2) vs. Spencer Higa (7-10); Bellator 236, Dec. 21.
Junior dos Santos (21-6) vs. Curtis Blaydes (12-2); UFC Raleigh, Jan. 25.
Frankie Edgar (23-7-1) vs. Cory Sandhagen (12-1); UFC Raleigh, Jan. 25.
Andrea Lee (11-3) vs. Lauren Murphy (11-4); UFC Houston, Feb. 8.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Is Jon Jones going to fight Dominick Reyes in January?
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