Jon Jones is prepared to make his move up to the UFC’s heavyweight division after a long-stint as the 205-pound champion. Chiefly, Jones’ head coach Mike Winkeljohn spoke to Submission Radio and commented on his fighter’s transition to a higher division. ‘Bones’ Jones recently relinquished his 205-pound title and has his sights set on heavyweight gold.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Winkeljohn has watched Jon Jones’ evolution from the early stages of his career and he’s observed his transformation. Jon will certainly bolster his Hall of Fame level career should he manage to capture the heavyweight belt. However, he will have a massive test before him as Stipe Miocic is the consensus best UFC heavyweight fighter to step into the company’s Octagon.
Jon Jones’ coach goes in on his transition to heavyweight
Fans have wondered about the manner in which Jon’s skills will carry forward to a new weight class. Mike Winkeljohn explained that his pupil was testing the waters and subsequently adding onto his frame.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Jon Jones waits in his corner prior to his UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 239 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
He said, “The last conversation I had with Jon is he’s just building some weight, building some size then he’s gonna get back into the gym and see how that affects his speed… The plan is definitely moving on up and getting some weight on and seeing how it goes.”
I believe he’s doing it the right way
Moreover, Mike also did a deep dive into the steps that Jon is taking to properly fill-into the weight class. He explained that the Hall of Famer is now growing into his body and will transition into a new divisional landscape effortlessly.
Getty
INGLEWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 29: Jon Jones celebrates his KO victory over Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC 232 event inside The Forum on December 29, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“It’s all about still doing the proper cardio and putting on the muscle in the right places. That type of thing. Jon has learned from the past and he’s getting better every day at understanding his own body… He’s also growing into his own body too.”
“Age has a tendency to naturally put weight on people, not that Jon’s ever had a hard time making weight at 205, but I think he’s lifting properly, getting his core strong, getting his legs strong. I believe he’s doing it the right way.”
Jon Jones is well built for heavyweight and many believe that his physical advantages will be a boon in the new division. He’s got a massive 84.5-inch reach and he will fit comfortably into the landscape of the heavyweight division.
