Jon Jones talks return for UFC 285, fighter pay, redefining his legacy: ‘I’m a work in progress’

Jon Jones became a household name in martial arts through his otherworldly dominance. He holds multiple UFC records, including being the youngest champion when he won a belt at 23.

He was named The Sporting News Athlete of the Decade in 2019 but has fought once since. In fact, Jones has been on hiatus since February 2020. But he’s still trying to perfect his craft, and he’s been training for promotion to heavyweight.

Jones, now 35, will face Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 on Saturday. He is ready to show what he has mastered in his three years away from the sport.

“I’m super excited,” Jones told The Sporting News. Karisa Maxwell. “I feel like a lot has changed in my game. Just the man that I am outside of sport is just a better, stronger man. A well supported man. I think that will be reflected in the Octagon.

“I think my physical strength has made a big leap. I used to be able to hit someone as hard as I could, they wouldn’t even take a step back. Now I feel like I have real stopping power. My takedowns feel very explosive. If I decide I’m going to take someone down, I hit 100 in my drills.”

MORE: Sign in to watch the UFC 285 PPV exclusively on ESPN+

“Bones” made his pro debut in 2008 and joined the UFC that year. After losing by disqualification to Matt Hamill in 2009, Jones has gone on to a 17-fight unbeaten streak. He beat Mauricio Rua in 2011 to become champion. He’s also beaten the likes of Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen and Alexander Gustafsson.

After fighting Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020, Jones discussed a possible superfight with heavyweight Francis Ngannou. Jones was unhappy with how negotiations with UFC President Dana White were going, particularly over salaries. The payment of fighters in the UFC has been widely debated over the years.

Jones eventually relinquished the light heavyweight title and focused on heavyweight. He later signed an eight-fight contract to remain with the UFC. His advisor, Richard Schaefer, told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that Jones’ current salary is at the top of the heavyweight division. Jones now believes he got what he deserved.

He gave advice to others who are looking for the same thing.

“I’m very happy with the UFC,” Jones said. “Obviously we have a lot to do. As an organization, there are many fighters who are not happy. I am happy. That might sound a bit cold, but in life you get what you deserve. That’s just the way it is, I’ve dedicated my whole life to this sport, I finally feel like I’m getting what I deserve.

“I just want to encourage the younger fighters, the guys who aren’t happy right now to keep working. Keep grinding. Take it day after day, year after year. After all, you can’t deny it. Just keep working. I have been dissatisfied with my salary for most of my career. I stayed tuned. I stayed vigilant and I stayed true to the project, right down to the goals. Now I am happy.

MORE: Jon Jones timeline: From the last fight of 2020 to headlining UFC 285

“Look at the situation of Francis (Ngannou). He’s boxing and finding a way for himself. Jake Paul came from nothing. Conor McGregor went from rags to riches. The list goes on and on. The UFC has many lives changed for the better. I have a feeling you get what you work for. Keep working and eventually it will happen for the other guys.

Ngannou won the UFC Heavyweight Title from Stipe Miocic in 2021. He retained the belt by defeating Gane at UFC 260 in January 2022. Before and after this fight, Ngannou and White were in a fight over his contract. Ngannou eventually became a free agent and lost the heavyweight title.

When asked if he was disappointed with how things turned out, Jones said Ngannou walked away.

“He had an opportunity to face me, make the most money that any other heavyweight had ever made, and he didn’t want to take that risk,” Jones said. Jones hopes Ngannou returns to the UFC as he believes it would be great for both teams.

MORE: Francis Ngannou on why he left the UFC

Jones was stripped of the 2018 UFC light heavyweight title after testing positive for the banned substance turinabol. He regained it by beating Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 and then made three defenses from 2019-20, including narrow wins over Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes. Jones struggled in both fights, at least compared to his previous dominant matches. There were some concerns. Jones just thought that every fighter has those days.

“My motivation, I don’t think, was at an all-time high,” Jones said. “When you’re surviving fights against Daniel Cormier, you’re so emotionally engaged. It’s hard to move on with guys who don’t push your buttons. I think fans discredit my opponents. These guys were bad guys. Thiago Santos massacred people when he got his title shot, Dominick Reyes was undefeated.

“I feel like all great athletes have bad days at work. Tom Brady, he didn’t win the Super Bowl this season. He’s still a great competitor and one of the best of all time. Michael Jordan missed many last shots game. All great athletes have days when they don’t perform at their best. Luckily, I’ve always found a way to win. I can’t get angry about individual bad performances. I really look at all the work . When I do that, I’m incredibly grateful.”

MORE: Everything you need to know about UFC 285: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane

Current drug testing laws indicate that Jones would not now be considered a fraud. He has spoken about seeking redress for his suspensions, but told TSN that nobody owed him anything. While it hurts to be known as a cheater, he said, he’s glad he took the hit for everyone else. He believes in his heart that he deserves a big thank you.

Jones also discussed his legal troubles. He has been arrested multiple times, including in 2021 when he was accused of tampering with a vehicle after he headbutted a police car. He lashed out after being arrested by Las Vegas police on suspicion of assault and domestic violence after an incident involving his fiancé. In 2015, he was charged in a hit-and-run incident involving a pregnant woman in New Mexico. He later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the accident.

Now he’s ready to redefine his legacy inside and outside the Octagon. How can he do that?

MORE: Remembering last time Jon Jones entered the Octagon

“You’re redefining things by just going ahead and making things better every day,” Jones said. “I was a young man, I still am. I made a lot of mistakes. God willing, I have more years on his planet. I look forward to people seeing the man I’m becoming.

“I’m still in the works. I really believe in my late years I will have a lot of wisdom and experience. I will have a platform to help people avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made. I look forward to going through the process and eventual product.”