Transitioning from one weight class to the other is not always a very difficult task. But going from the 205 lb weight limits of Light-heavyweight to the 265 lb heavyweight threshold is no little feat either. And Jon Jones who has aced that transition with valor, does not appreciate all the negative comments critics are throwing at him.
On his Instagram stories, Jones wrote, “Good thing it’s not a bodybuilding competition! I have the strength and explosiveness of a lion right now. I can focus on leaning out better for my next fight. Most importantly, I’m 250 [pounds], still moving like a light heavyweight.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4ephf_rXw
Earlier he seemed confident about his weight, “One of the hardest things was not being able to lose my shape while still trying to pack on 40 pounds. I think when the fans see me, they’ll be surprised that I still look a lot like I used to — [although] my shoulders are a lot broader, I freaking gained a whole bunch of ass, unfortunately — but just trying to keep that shape and doing it the right way”
Jon Jones’ weight change has evoked mixed reactions among fans and analysts of the sport with some standing by his decision, while others threw bitter criticism at the mixed martial art fighter.
𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 📈
Will the weight change have a positive or negative effect on Jon Jones when he steps back into the octagon? 👍👎
Join @bisping, @AdamCatterall, and @Peety_Editor for the #UFC285 Fight Week Preview Show on YouTube now ▶️ pic.twitter.com/lgC8ADLRRE
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 28, 2023
How will the new weight class affect Jon Jones?
There is more to than just the weight class that can affect Jones’s performance. First of all, Jon left the light-heavyweight division as a shell of his former dominant self. The fight with Dominick Reyes was extremely close and many suspect the decision went to ‘Bones’ for maintaining his reputation.
He also doesn’t have any warm-up bouts leading up to the title shot which can become a major factor. Sparring in the gym does not properly reflect the adversaries a fighter needs to overcome in an actual match. Cyril has also been quite active inside the Octagon, defeating Tai Tuivasa in his last matchup.
Of course, it’s not logical to maintain the lean and mean physique Jon used to rock back in his 205 days so it remains to be seen how he fares in his new frame come March 4th.
What are your thoughts on Jon Jones’ transition? Will he truly be able to acclimatize with the weight change as he steps back into the octagon? Only time will tell – but true fans of the sport will not miss out on witnessing Jones in a new light for the first time.
