Stipe Miocic is in the crowd, and after his knockout of Chris Daukaus, Curtis Blaydes sent a message to him. (1:13)
The UFC is looking to put together a fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic that would be the best light-weight fight in UFC history.
Even if the fight will happen, it has not been determined.
The UFC initially asked Jones about the fight with Stipe in Las Vegas, according to Jones adviser Richard Schaefer. It would have been the main event of the International Fight Week. Jones wrote on his verified account that he was told that Miocic wouldn't be ready for that date.
Jones was disappointed that the fight would not happen sooner, but he was willing to wait until September.
Jones said that Stipe was saying that he would be at his peak in September. I will wait until September. No excuses.
As long as the interim title is on the line, it doesn't matter who the opponent is.
Jones hasn't fought since he defended his UFC light heavyweight title. The great relinquished his title in August 2020 in order to move up and challenge for the title. The goal has not changed. Jones has never lost in MMA, with his only defeat coming in 2009.
We just want to fight for the title. As long as it is for the title. He has been training. He is mentally and physically ready.
Jones would be willing to wait until September, but the situation has to be worked out, and September is the latest he will wait. The UFC's chief business officer is scheduled to speak with Schaefer on Wednesday.
"We would not want to sit around another two months and now we are talking December," said Schaefer, who began advising Jones last year.
After dropping the belt to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021, Miocic has not fought. He is a two-time champ and owns the most title defenses in UFC history.
Ngannou had knee surgery last month and will be out for at least two years. The UFC will likely make an interim title out of his absence. Ngannou's UFC contract status is up in the air, with indications he might leave as a free agent next year and fight Tyson Fury in an exhibition.
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