
via Imago
Credits: Imago

via Imago
Credits: Imago
The UFC heavyweight division is at a standstill again as Jon Jones awaits his next opponent. ‘Bones’ returned earlier this year and secured the title in his heavyweight debut. He has since called out Stipe Miocic for a fight but no other developments have happened on that front so far. Despite Miocic accepting the callout, the UFC is yet to announce a concrete date for the fight.
Amidst rumors that Jones vs. Miocic may not be happening, several fans and pros have started speculating alternative options for Jones. One of them is the heavy-hitting Russian Sergei Pavlovich. The #2 ranked heavyweight is currently on a 6-fight win streak. The heavy-handed superstar has looked like a world-beater in most of his recent fights, causing many to speculate that Jones might not fight him.

via Imago
March 4, 2023, Las Vegas, NV, LAS VEGAS, NV, USA: LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 4: Jon Jones prepares to fight Ciryl Gane in their Heavyweight fight during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Las Vegas, NV USA – ZUMAp175 20230304_zsa_p175_246 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
The 31-year-old’s power has proven to be too much for many other heavyweight sluggers. Therefore, many believe that Jones might avoid this new-generation heavyweight and fight Miocic before calling it a day. However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen disagrees.
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Chael Sonnen talks Jon Jones vs. Sergei Pavlovich
Chael Sonnen addressed the Jon Jones vs. Sergei Pavlovich matchup in a recent YouTube video. Sonnen disagreed with the Jones slander that he was unwilling to fight Pavlovich. ‘The Bad Guy’ believed the Russian was the next in line if the Miocic fight fell through and that Jones would fight him.
He said, “Sergei Pavlovich will be the next name, of which was predicted by many that Jon Jones would not face. That that’s an era of athletes that he’s not going to go and deal with. That is not true.”
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The 46-year-old continued, “This is first-hand account. I know this directly from Jon Jones. He will fight Sergei [Pavlovich] and when it looked as though Stipe [Miocic] wasn’t coming together, that idea was floated and Jon [Jones] accepted. I just want you to know that.”
According to the latest announcements from White, Jon Jones’ next title defense could go down in November at Madison Square Garden. Who do you think he will fight there? Miocic or Pavlovich?
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What do you make of Sonnen’s claims? Let us know in the comments below.
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