Jon Jones Thinks Fans Want To See Him Lose At Heavyweight

There has been a ton of demand to see UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones move up to heavyweight.

Jones has been linked to dream matches against the likes of Brock Lesnar and longtime UFC rival Daniel Cormier – who is currently the UFC heavyweight champion. Speaking to the media at UFC 235, Jones said he believes fans are so excited to see him at heavyweight because they want to see him lose or in serious trouble (via MMA Junkie):

“I think people want me to go to heavyweight because quite frankly they want to see me lose, or get close to it, or take some serious damage,” Jones said. “At heavyweight the risk goes up tremendously.

“These guys are a lot bigger than me and they say all the time: When you get a talented little guy versus a talented big guy, the odds are in the big guy’s favor. I think that’s the pressure. I don’t think it’s fair, really, because I’ve always been a light heavyweight. Despite who the champion’s been, I’ve never challenged anybody at heavyweight.

“I feel like I’ll move up to heavyweight on my own terms when I feel like the UFC is playing ball with me contractually to entertain that. No one has entertained any idea of switching the contract for any super fights, so, we’re just kind of stuck at this spot here fighting at light heavyweight.”

“Bones” will be making his first UFC title defense since 2015 tomorrow night (Sat. March 2, 2019). Jones will be taking on Anthony “Lionheart” Smith, who is currently on a three-fight win streak. In his last fight, Smith submitted Volkan Oezdemir via third-round rear-naked choke.