Jon Jones opens up and says he's healed from injury, but doesn't feel 'as strong as before'

Jon Jones He is UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@ufc

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In the main fight UFC 309, which takes place next Saturday (16), in New York, Jon Jones defends the heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) against Stipe Miocic. The clash, originally scheduled for November last year, had to be postponed due to a chest injury to the champion. Despite feeling fully healed, 'Bones' believes he is not as strong as he once was.

In a recent interview with 'New York Post Sports', Jones explained that although his recovery has been satisfactory to return to the octagon, he has not yet reached the same level of physical strength that he had before the injury. However, the fighter is confident for his first title defense in the new category.

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“I feel healed enough to be there. I’m not as strong as I used to be, but I’m smarter than I’ve ever been, I have a lot of experience and I’m strong enough. Before my pectoral tear, I could bench press 143 pounds for five reps and squat 226 pounds for a few reps. I was pretty strong. Now, I still feel incredibly strong, but I don’t feel like I used to have the superhuman strength,” Bones explained.

Despite not feeling as strong as he did the previous year, the champion believes he is in excellent physical shape. Jones said he dedicated himself a lot to the recovery process and mentioned that his injury would require a longer break before returning. However, at 37 years old, the 'greatest of all time' did not want to waste any time.

“I’ve taken my recovery very seriously. Right now, I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. This is the minimum time to get back into the Octagon. The injury required eight months to a year… Some athletes would still be taking that time to recover, but I know this sport doesn’t wait that long,” Jones said.

Considered the greatest light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in history, Jones has 27 wins under his belt and only one loss by disqualification. Throughout his career, 'Bones' won 15 title fights and never suffered a setback. Next Saturday, he will face Stipe Miocic, who was a two-time heavyweight champion and has never been defeated as a title challenger.