Jon Jones Says He’s in Negotiations with UFC, 2025 Return 'More Than Likely'

Jon Jones is certain about the outcome of the upcoming clash between Jiri Prochazka (30-5) and Jamahal Hill (12-2) — and he also offered some insight into his own future.

The former light heavyweight champs will clash at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Jones expects Hill to get the better of Prochazka through sound basics despite the Czech being an unorthodox puzzle.

“I think Jamahal Hill will win. Jiri has really unorthodox striking, but Jamahal seems like the more technical, more clean striker,” Jones recently told The Schmo. “I'm a big fan of basic techniques, and Jamahal has a really strong, basic, clean kickboxing style.”

Prochazka was riding a 13-fight winning streak and undefeated in the UFC when he fell short in a bid for the vacant title against Alex Pereira at UFC 295 last year. While “BJP” bounced back with a technical knockout win over Aleksandar Rakic, he suffered another stoppage win in a rematch with “Poatan” at UFC 303 this past June.

Meanwhile, Hill mounted a four-fight winning streak from 2021 to 2023, capturing the light heavyweight crown with a win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283. He vacated the belt after suffering an Achilles injury but was given a shot at the title against Pereira upon his return. “Sweet Dreams” went on suffer a slightly controversial first-round technical knockout loss against the Brazilian at UFC 300 this past April. Pereira continued despite a low blow from Hill and stopped referee Herb Dean from interfering, right before landing the finishing sequence. Hill claims Pereira seized the opportunity to close the distance on him while he was distracted.

Meanwhile, Jones’ future in the UFC hangs in the balance. The heavyweight champ defended his strap against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 earlier this month. However, he refuses to unify the title against interim champ Tom Aspinall unless offered an adequate payday. Jones has also previously indicated that he would rather vacate his title and take on light heavyweight champ Alex Pereria in a superfight. While “Bones” refuses to disclose the number that would persuade him to fight Aspinall, he claims to be in talks with the UFC about another outing. Although Jones previously hinted at retirement, the MMA GOAT contender claims he is more than likely to fight next year.

“So right now, the UFC and me, we’re in negotiations,” he said. “We’re in talks to see what happens next. I’m back in the gym, I’m training. I feel really great… I will be competing in 2025 more than likely.”