Predicting Jon Jones’ Next Fight

We waited three years for Jon Jones to return to the octagon, and in just over two minutes he reminded us why we waited all those years. Jones defeated Ciryl Gane for the Heavyweight belt at UFC 285 this weekend, winning via submission in the very first round.

As fight week went on, more and more fans–including myself–started to tilt the scales towards Gane’s way. He is an incredibly technical striker who moves fast for a heavyweight, and is no easy fight for anyone–especially someone who took three years off from fighting. However, Jones reminded us who he was and why he belongs at the top of all GOAT conversations.

But now that the fun is over, all we can do is look ahead to the future. Now that Jones is back and seemingly better than ever, the landscape of the Heavyweight division has drastically changed. So, what should we expect next for Jon Jones?

Here I will give out three guys that I think will share the octagon with Jones in his next bout. Most of these hypothetical fights don’t have any odds released on them yet, but you can be sure to bet on all UFC events through these online casinos. 

Who Will Jon Jones Fight Next?

Stipe Miocic

In what would be maybe the most significant heavyweight fight in UFC history, a possible bout between Jones and Miocic seems to be becoming more and more likely each day. Miocic was even sitting ringside at UFC 285, and Jones called him out after the win–so, what are we waiting for? 

Well, for starters, Miocic hasn’t fought since March of 2021 and was brutally KO’d by Ngannou in his last fight. While that shouldn’t be a deterrent for who many say is the greatest heavyweight title holder of all time, it definitely takes some steam out of the room. However, the UFC wants to make the biggest fight possible–well, it’s right here. 

DraftKings Sportsbook has actually already released odds on this hypothetical fight, listing Jones as the heavy favorite at -325 (Miocic at +270). Personally, I think Jones' odds should be even higher, so if you think this fight is plausible you may want to get in earlier rather than later. 

Curtis Blaydes/Sergei Pavlovich

I’m grouping these two together because they’re squaring off in April in what looks to be a #1 contender fight. While I think Blaydes will come out on top–and I also think he provides Jones with the toughest test in the division, I would hate to give out Blaydes and then have him lose in a month and have the party spoiled.

I feel Jones kind of runs through Pavlovich who has never really shown any wrestling competence in the division. Sure, Sergei is on a 5-fight first-round KO streak, but Jones just proved what he does to guys that can't wrestle. 

Blaydes, on the other hand, is a great wrestler with heavy hands, and he could definitely give Jones a run for his money. Curtis Blaydes is my favorite type of fighter–a strong wrestler that could knock you out in the blink of an eye, so I think a possible fight between him and Jones would definitely be the more exciting one.