UFC heavyweight Jon Jones has established his terms for a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk, stating he will only compete under MMA rules. The condition effectively ends speculation of a boxing match, as Usyk considers opponents for his retirement bout following his vacation of three world titles.
Jones dismissed the idea of limiting himself to boxing, a discipline he does not practice professionally. Speaking to Ring Magazine, he explained his position is based on his identity as a complete martial artist, not a specialist striker. He did, however, acknowledge Usyk’s potential for a crossover, citing the boxer’s extensive wrestling background as a key component of his success. “I also am aware that he does wrestling and that wrestling has been a heavy part of his training for many years, that is probably why he is so dominant in the clinch,” Jones said. This respect for Usyk’s grappling base informed his challenge for a broader contest of skills. “If he would like to test his total combat skills, I would oblige him in that, but to handicap myself by only using my hands – that is just not the world that I come from.”
Jones conceded that Usyk is arguably the most equipped of the elite boxers to transition to the octagon. Still, he drew a clear line between a boxing champion and a well-rounded fighter. “Out of all of the heavyweight boxers, I do see Usyk as having the highest potential [in MMA] and making it competitive, but I am no boxer and I don’t really consider Usyk to be a complete fighter.” He concluded with a confident assessment of how a true mixed-rules fight would unfold. “I think that the world knows what would happen if we were locked in the same room and I’ll just leave it at that.”
With Jones defining his non-negotiable terms, Usyk’s camp will likely turn its attention elsewhere for his farewell fight. The Ukrainian is seeking one last contest after a difficult outing against Rico Verhoeven. Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is now considered the frontrunner to face Usyk, with Wilder’s team reportedly open to negotiations. A rematch with Verhoeven also remains a possibility as Usyk prepares to make a final decision in the coming months.
