The subject of Jon Jones moving up to the Heavyweight division has picked up as “Bones” continues to clean out the UFC’s 205-pound class, however fans of the longtime Light Heavyweight Champion may not be pleased with the champ’s current take on the situation.
During “Andrei Arlovski’s Google Hangout” live web-chat on Thursday evening, “Bones” Jones spoke about the possibility of moving up in weight, and while he made it clear it won’t be his new permanent home, he did not rule out the possibility of taking a “super fight” or two, north of the 205-pound weight class.
“Honestly, probably not,” Jones said of moving up. “As I get older I’m maturing a lot more. My weight cuts are becoming a lot more easy. I’m learning how to eat better. I’ll probably be at light heavyweight for a long time.”
On the positive side of things, Jones did offer this follow-up response.
“I’ll probably go to heavyweight for one or two superfights at some point and then get back down to light heavyweight.”
Jones continued, citing his desire to break records, such as former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva’s record ten consecutive title defenses.
“In mixed martial arts, I would say that Anderson Silva has been my biggest motivation and inspiration,” Jones said. “Just because of the things he’s been able to achieve, the records that he has. Sometimes I feel as if the journey’s been long. When I start to think that way I remember that there have been people who have had the belt longer than I’ve had it. Who have defended it more than I’ve defended it. It makes me feel ‘If they did it, there’s no reason to be tired.’
“You’ve got to freaking muster it up and give it your all every time,” said Jones. “Until I beat one of these guys’ records I’m going to keep on pushing and give it all I’ve got.”
Before the chat wrapped up, however, Jones offered his take on former trash-talking rival “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis, who recently left the UFC in favor of signing with their top promotional rival, Bellator MMA.
“Oh my goodness,” said Jones. “‘Mr. JV,’ himself. To be honest, I’m happy for him if he’s going to make more money over there. Ultimately, it’s about providing for our families. It’s a job at the end of the day. If he’s going to be treated better over there, good for him.”
Jones continued, “I do believe the competition is not as stiff at Bellator as the UFC so I think he’ll definitely be a top three guy in the world now. Good for him. Maybe he’ll even win it. To be a world champion and to make a little more money, that’s a win-win. But good luck ‘crumbling me like a cookie’ from all the way over there.”
For now, Jones has his sights set on tieing Silva’s ten-consecutive title defenses, as he makes the next defense of his 205-pound crown against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in the main event of UFC 187, which takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
