Jon Jones could be moving closer to a professional boxing debut, with the IBA opening the door for the former two-weight UFC champion to enter the ring.
Jones has been linked with a switch to heavyweight boxing and has recently spoken about wanting to face Francis Ngannou in a boxing match. The IBA is now actively monitoring the situation.
IBA president Umar Kremlev said fights involving Jones would carry major global interest. “Jones in the ring against Daniel Cormier or Francis Ngannou, but under boxing rules, these are the fights that the whole world is talking about and waiting for,” he said.
Jones is expected to attend the IBA’s Bare Knuckle tournament in Russia next month, where he is also expected to speak with Kremlev about a possible boxing debut. The American retired from MMA in 2025 after holding UFC titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight.
Image cRedit: BBC