There’s no official word on when former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones will return to the Octagon for what’s expected to be an immediate title shot against Daniel Cormier, but according to a new post on his Instagram account it seems that ‘Bones’ has an event in mind for his comeback.
“Off season 2013 Vs off season 2015,” Jones wrote on instagram alongside a comparative picture of his newly chiseled physique courtesy of a new power lifting regime (see photo above). “Five more months to prepare for this win. I’ll be sure to be at my best on April 23rd #newlevels”
April 23rd is the tentative date set next year for UFC 198 which the promotion hopes will be their first ever event in New York City. However, with MMA still illegal in the state the UFC’s hopes to host the event at Madison Square Garden all hinges on an ongoing legal battle which is showing no signs of ending in the near future.
It’s also important to note that so far Cormier has also made it clear he doesn’t want to fight Jones on what he feels would be home soil for the New York native.
If the NYC event falls through though then it’s entirely possible that UFC 198 would be switched to a different state on the same night which would may suit both parties, with Jones not having to adjust his expected return date, and Cormier not having to concern himself with the possibility of fighting his rival in his own backyard.
