UFC Superstar Jon Jones has New Fight in the Works for August Says Chael Sonnen

With doubts surrounding a Stipe Miocic matchup, the UFC may pivot to a new heavyweight title challenger.

After a three-year hiatus, Jon Jones put himself right back in the the UFC spotlight the last time he was in the Octagon. In his first career heavyweight fight, he dominated interim champ Cyril Gane by submitting him in the first round.

After the fight, Jones took no time in calling out heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic. UFC president Dana has said they are trying to schedule a November fight between the two at Madison Square Garden. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen thinks the Miocic fight may not come to fruition.

READ MORE: Dana White Calls for Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones in the UFC: "I Will Make It Happen"

Sonnen appeared on The Schaub Show and said Jones could be fighting much sooner, and against an entirely different opponent.

“I'm hearing strong rumors that the Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones fight is gonna go up in flames and that Sergei Pavlovich versus Jones is happening in August. I'm hearing strong rumors on that.”

It is only a rumor at this point, but it makes sense for the UFC to get one of their biggest cash cows back in action. However, Sergei Pavlovich is an extremely dangerous fighter and Jones has less than one round of heavyweight experience.

“I don’t know where they are in agreeing, but that’s at least being pursued.”

Pavlovich has been arguably the UFC’s hottest heavyweight having won six-straight fights, all by first round knockout. He has passed recent tests against the elites in the division like Tai Tuivasa and Curtis Blaydes.

"Y'all want to see me beat up Stipe?"

Jon Jones called out Miocic after becoming heavyweight champion 👀 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/rbocduGATD

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 5, 2023

With Francis Ngannou off the table after signing with the PFL, Pavlovich may be the most exciting fight available for Jones. The problem is that Pavlovich has nowhere near the big name appeal of Miocic.

Miocic is regarded by many as the greatest heavyweight of all time, and a win against him would further cement Jones’ legacy as the greatest ever regardless of division. It is a super fight that is worth pursuing for the UFC. If that fight can’t happen, Jones against Pavlovich is a great back up plan. 

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