Jon Jones thinks he would 'surprise a lot of people' in boxing

Jon Jones is entertaining the idea of transitioning to professional boxing, expressing confidence that his striking abilities would translate successfully to the sport. The former UFC light heavyweight champion attended Most Valuable Promotions' "Rousey vs. Carano" event Saturday in Los Angeles, where he observed heavyweight Francis Ngannou knock out Philipe Lins and subsequently challenge Jones to a fight.

While Jones showed interest in the Ngannou matchup, he clarified that pursuing such fights would require first obtaining his release from the UFC. "I think getting out of my UFC contract is very very possible," Jones stated, noting that he would need to pursue appropriate legal and professional channels to make any such transition. This acknowledgment reflects the contractual complexities that bind elite fighters to major promotions and the negotiations required to pivot toward other combat sports.

Jones' boxing aspirations reflect a broader trend among elite mixed martial artists exploring opportunities outside the UFC. The champion fighter expressed optimism about his striking potential, suggesting that focusing exclusively on his hands, combinations, and punching power would yield surprising results in a boxing ring. Such transitions are rare but not unprecedented in combat sports; Jones' considerable striking base from his mixed martial arts career could provide advantages in boxing, though the sport's specialized ruleset and competitive ecosystem present distinct challenges. Any such move would depend on securing contract release and navigating the complex landscape of professional boxing promotions and sanctioning bodies.