JON JONES’ long-awaited return to the octagon may come in opposition to ex-heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, in accordance with UFC president Dana White.

The previous long-reigning light-heavyweight king has been on the sidelines since last February attributable to a bitter pay dispute with the UFC brass.

Jon Jones hasn’t set foot contained in the octagon since February 2020Credit score: Getty

But Bones has been offered a fight with former heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic

However Bones has been supplied a combat with former heavyweight champ Stipe MiocicCredit score: Getty

Jones, 34, has been utilizing his outing to bulk up for his long-awaited transfer to heavyweight and had hoped to face newly-crowned champion Francis Ngannou in his return.

The UFC have up to now refused to satisfy Jones’ asking value for the mega-fight however are keen to match him up in opposition to Miocic.

Throughout an look on The Nelk Boys’ Full Send podcast, White mentioned: “Me and Jones have had that sort of relationship his complete profession.

“When he’s able to combat we’re able to go. He’s speaking about combating at heavyweight.

“However, within the heavyweight division proper now we’re going again to Houston, Derrick Lewis is taking up Ciryl Gane and whoever wins that combat will combat Francis Ngannou.

“Whoever wins that combat, if Jon Jones desires to come back again he can combat one in all them.

“Or, he can combat Stipe Miocic. Stipe has accepted that combat and can take that combat.”

He can combat Stipe Miocic. Stipe has accepted that combat and can take that figh

Dana White on Jon Jones’ future

Jones, who has undergone a dramatic body transformation in preparation for his move up in weight, poo-pooed the thought of combating Miocic in Could with a sequence of hastily-deleted tweets.

He wrote: “Don’t get excited individuals, I’m not combating Stipe.”

Regardless of being in his prime years, Jones is greater than keen to take a seat out and anticipate a combat with Ngannou.

He mentioned: “I’m not right here to combat Stipe however I’ll defend my belt in opposition to him no drawback.

“I’m on the lookout for the largest draw and I’m keen to attend.

“33 years outdated in higher athlete proper now than I’ve ever been earlier than.

“I am simply going to maintain coaching my ass off.”

Jones is assured he can be topped heavyweight champ subsequent 12 months, not too long ago tweeting: “Champion2022.”

Fan favorite Miocic has been on the sidelines since https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/14475598/ufc-260-results-francis-ngannou-stipe-miocic/losing the 265lb strap to Ngannou in March

The Cleveland clubber had hoped to be given an instantaneous trilogy combat with the UFC’s first African-born heavyweight champion however has been ignored.