Jon Jones Hints at New York Comeback Fight

It’s been a long, rough year for former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, but according to his recent post to Instagram, he’s targeting a return fight on April 23, 2016, in New York.

Jones started 2015 off with a bang, defending his UFC championship against Daniel Cormier in January. Everything came crashing down when he was involved in a car accident in April and later charged with felony hit-and-run.

UFC officials stripped Jones of his belt and suspended him, pending the resolution of his legal troubles. Jones eventually agreed to a plea deal that put him on probation and required community service, but also kept him out of prison.

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It’s no secret that everyone expects his first fight back to be a rematch with Cormier for the belt. Cormier won the title and defended it once while Jones was sifting through the legal process. The biggest question has been when and where would they fight.

Cormier has been vocal about not wanting to give Jones, a New Yorker, the so-called homefield advantage by facing him at UFC 198, which is currently scheduled for April 23 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, although that event is the subject of a current legal battle between the UFC and the State of New York.

If UFC 198 does take place in New York, however, Cormier has stated his case to the UFC that he doesn’t feel Jones should be rewarded with a bout there upon his return.

Cormier has said that, when he negotiated a new contract with UFC officials, he was told they would revisit his next fight after a well-deserved holiday break for the champion. Jones, however, seems to feel that the fight is going to take place in New York whether Cormier likes it or not, and he plans to show off an all new, totally transformed physique.

“Started powerlifting June 1, 2015. In just about seven months of training four days a week, my body has made a complete transformation. Off season 2013 vs off season 2015,” said in an Instagram post where he showed off his before and after picture, before hinting at the Madison Square Garden fight. “Five more months to prepare for this win. I’ll be sure to be at my best April 23rd.”

This could, of course, simply be social media posturing/lobbying by Jones, who has wanted to fight in Madison Square Garden since the UFC began efforts to legally promote an event in New York. The pressure will surely be on Cormier to accept such a bout, however, as it would be the blockbuster necessary to make an immediate impact in New York, and would also help fill the void of Ronda Rousey‘s absence following her recent loss.

(Photo courtesy of Jon Jones’ Instagram)