JON JONES has seemingly revealed a potentially huge issue he may have against Stipe Miocic.
The Hall of Famer returns to the cage early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 309 to make the maiden defence of his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic.
GETTYJon Jones returns to the octagon at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title[/caption]
Jones will throw down with former two-time champ Stipe Miocic at Madison Square GardenGetty
Jones underwent a massive body transformation ahead of his heavyweight debutRex
GETTYJones admits his cardio isn’t the same as he’s still getting used to his larger frame[/caption]
Jones, 37, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since claiming the previously vacant 265lbs strap with a two-minute demolition of Ciryl Gane last March.
The Hall of Famer underwent a dramatic body transformation ahead of his heavyweight bow but has since shed some muscle mass.
But he’s admits he could GAS OUT as he’s still not used to carrying the extra weight.
During the first episode of UFC 309 Embedded, he admitted: “If anything, as a heavyweight, I feel like I’m more explosive.
“My cardio is not as strong as it was because I’m carrying a much larger body.”
Former pound-for-pound king Jones, however, insists his conditioning has by no means gone completely out of the window.
He continued: “But I do feel good and I’m pretty close to having the same level of conditioning that I used to have.”
Jones jetted to the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas last weekend to make use of their hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which can speed up recovery and help improve endurance.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it’s annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
He said: “Tonight, I flew into Vegas to use the hyperbaric chamber.
“This machine is known to increase red blood cells to enhance your cardio.
“And if I can do anything that promotes healing or gives me any type of edge in my endurance, then I’m gonna do it.”
Former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion Jones stepped into the octagon at a whopping 17 stone, seven pounds for his showdown with Gane.
But he’s shed over a stone in weight for his Madison Square Garden melee with Stipe Miocic.
He revealed to the New York Post: “Right now, I’m pretty light.
“I’m like 235lbs (16 stone and seven pounds).
“I bulked up, I got really strong and I felt how I was going to feel.
“I got that data down on how I would feel and now, more than ever, I feel I don’t need all that size to win as a heavyweight.
“But I’m grateful for my decision.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
