Morning Report: Jon Jones teases title defense against Dominick Reyes in ‘a few weeks’

Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 16:00

Jon Jones

Jon Jones | Esther Lin/MMAFighting.com

Jon Jones is either trolling everyone or he’s going to be fighting again far sooner than any of us imagined.

It started off simple, with Jones doing something he has done rather often in recent weeks: taking a shot at Israel Adesanya, who had just gone on Joe Rogan’s MMA podcast.

But Jones didn’t stay on the topic of Adesanya for long. Up and Tweeting, Jones quickly shifted to what was next for him and hinted that fans might be seeing him far sooner than expected.

The only event that would make sense for Jones to be fighting at in a few weeks would be UFC 245, except that show already is the most stacked card of the year, featuring three title fights as well as two other marquee bouts that could headline events on their own. Not to mention a the short time frame would hinder marketing efforts for one of the UFC’s biggest stars. However, the UFC’s next pay-per-view event following UFC 245, UFC 246, is set for Jan. 18th and still does not have a main event (though Conor McGregor is rumored to be returning then). It’s also possible, perhaps probable that Jones is implying his fight announcement will be made in a few weeks, but if that’s the case, he’s already let the cat out of the bag as to who he’ll be facing.

Continuing on his Tweet-storm, Jones teased out who he would be facing next before eventually revealing Dominick Reyes is the man who will be getting the title shot.

Jones has previously made it known that, of the possible contenders at 205, he thinks Reyes is the most interesting challenge. However, he also hasn’t seemed tremendously enthused about facing Reyes, instead seemingly more interested in a fight with Adesanya or perhaps, even taking a couple years off to wait for more exciting challenges to present themselves in the division. But Jones says after some contemplation, he’s ultimately decided to just keep on defending his title against whoever is around as a way to keep himself motivated.

Well, there are worse ways to occupy his time while Jones waits for 2021.

MUST-READ STORIES

Debut. Frankie Edgar’s bantamweight debut set for UFC Raleigh against Cory Sandhagen.

Out. Carlos Condit forced out of fight against Mickey Gall at UFC on ESPN 7.

Giblert. Gilbert Melendez was ‘ready to move on’ from the UFC, undecided on fighting future.

Heavyweight. Junior dos Santos vs. Curtis Blaydes expected to headline UFC Raleigh on Jan. 25.

Grappling. Luke Rockhold to test grappling skills vs. Nick Rodriguez at Polaris 12.

VIDEO STEW

The A-Side Live Chat.

Fighter Focus: Jan Blachowicz.

Shogun on his title fights with Machida.

Nick Diaz working the speed bag.

Artem Lobov reflects on Jason Knight rematch and Hick Diaz’s bathroom stall brawl.

Khabib Q&A with school kid in Moscow. Says he hasn’t enjoyed winning in a while. Except McGregor.

LISTEN UP

Heavy Hands. Discussing Jacare’s move to 205, Shogun hanging around, and Zabit.

UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Jan Blachowicz, Paul Craig, and Chuck Zito.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Izzy’s thoughts on humility.

Specialty training.

Still trying.

Zhang Weili hinting at a fight with Joanna.

View this post on Instagram

Should I have tea or protein powder? I like both, but I want protein powder today. @perfectsportstm protein powder is the most delicious protein powder I've ever had. *also I still await the battle contract. ⁉️

A post shared by Weili Zhang 张伟丽 (@zhangweilimma) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:23pm PST

Mickey Gall with the respect.

View this post on Instagram

Unfortunately @carloscondit suffered an injury & our fight dec 7 is no longer happening. All love & respect to Carlos let’s wish him a speedy recovery. Get well & let’s do it when your able. We agreed let’s follow thru and give the fans what we promised. In the meantime @ufc is gonna find me someone else to break off

A post shared by Mickey Gall (@mickeygall) on Nov 13, 2019 at 4:22pm PST

Lauren Murphy seems pretty pumped about getting to fight in Houston.

View this post on Instagram

HOUSTON!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME VIOLENCE?!? I sure as fuck am!!! LETS GO!! I will be facing Andrea Lee right here in H-town, February 8th, 2020! This is a huge fight for me and surely one of the toughest in my career. A win here could put me in the top 5 , and you best believe I’m coming for it Let’s get it!!!!! #underdog #topten #earnednevergiven #mma #wmma #MurphyvsLee #Houston #usaindishoe

A post shared by Lauren Murphy (@laurenmurphymma) on Nov 13, 2019 at 4:47pm PST

Weidman wants the winner of Rockhold vs. Rodriguez at Polaris.

Chuck.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Paddy Pimblett (14-3) vs. Joe Giannetti (8-2-1); Cage Warriors 111, Nov. 22.

Neiman Gracie (9-1) vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC); Bellator 236, Dec. 21.

Kai Kamaka III (5-2) vs. Spencer Higa (7-10); Bellator 236, Dec. 21.

Junior dos Santos (21-6) vs. Curtis Blaydes (12-2); UFC Raleigh, Jan. 25.

Frankie Edgar (23-7-1) vs. Cory Sandhagen (12-1); UFC Raleigh, Jan. 25.

Andrea Lee (11-3) vs. Lauren Murphy (11-4); UFC Houston, Feb. 8.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.

Source: 
https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/11/14/20963773/morning-report-jon-jones-teases-title-defense-against-dominick-reyes-in-a-few-weeks