Jon Jones Is Accused Of Ducking Magomed Ankalaev: Is The Heavyweight Champ Afraid To Return To 205 Lbs?

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The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) thrives on rivalries, callouts, and dream fights that get fans talking. Recently, UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev issued a bold challenge to Jon “Bones” Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, calling for him to return to the 205-pound division and settle unfinished business.

Ankalaev’s message was direct:

“Jon Jones don’t want to fight big TOM. Come back to light heavyweight and fight big ANK. Stop running.”

This challenge instantly sparked debate within the MMA community. Is this fight realistic? Would Jon Jones entertain a return to light heavyweight? And more importantly, why is Ankalaev so determined to fight him? Let’s break it all down.

Ankalaev’s Rise in the Light Heavyweight Division

Magomed Ankalaev has quietly but steadily built his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters at 205 pounds. With a record of 18-1-1, he is known for his well-rounded skills, combining elite wrestling, powerful striking, and an iron-clad defense. Many believe that had it not been for a controversial draw against Jan Błachowicz at UFC 282, he would already have had a firm grip on the division.

Some of his most impressive victories include wins over Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, and Ion Cuțelaba. His relentless pressure and calculated striking make him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.

Why Ankalaev Wants Jon Jones?

There’s no denying that Jon Jones is the greatest light heavyweight of all time. With an almost perfect record (27-1, 1 NC), Jones dominated the division for over a decade before moving up to heavyweight. However, his departure left a power vacuum at 205 lbs, and fighters like Ankalaev are eager to claim the throne by defeating the best.

By challenging Jones, Ankalaev is not just looking for a big-money fight but also a legacy-defining moment. Beating Jon Jones would instantly elevate him to superstar status and cement him as one of the best light heavyweights in history.

Jon Jones’ Reign at Heavyweight & His Next Move

Since moving to heavyweight, Jon Jones has had a single fight—his dominant submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, which earned him the heavyweight title. However, he has yet to defend his belt.

Initially, the UFC planned a superfight between Jones and Stipe Miocic, widely considered the greatest heavyweight of all time. But with Jones suffering an injury in late 2023, the division has been in limbo.

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title, putting pressure on Jones to unify the belts. Ankalaev’s callout suggests that Jones might be avoiding dangerous matchups, whether it be against Aspinall at heavyweight or a return to his old stomping ground at 205 lbs.

Would Jones Ever Go Back to Light Heavyweight?

Jon Jones has made it clear in multiple interviews that he has no interest in cutting back down to 205 lbs. At heavyweight, he doesn’t have to endure the brutal weight cuts that plagued him in the past. He has added significant muscle mass, making a return to light heavyweight highly unlikely.

That said, Jones has never been one to shy away from a challenge. If UFC President Dana White were to offer the right deal—both financially and competitively—could we see Jones step back into the light heavyweight division for one last hurrah?

A Potential Superfight: How Would Jones vs. Ankalaev Play Out?

If Jon Jones were to accept Magomed Ankalaev’s challenge, how would the fight play out? Let’s break it down.

Striking

Jon Jones: An unorthodox striker with elite range management, vicious elbows, and a high fight IQ. He effectively neutralizes aggressive strikers and picks opponents apart from a distance.
Magomed Ankalaev: A heavy-handed counterstriker who utilizes precise boxing and powerful kicks. His ability to control the pace of a fight makes him a difficult puzzle to solve.

➡ Edge: Slightly in favor of Jon Jones due to his creativity and diverse striking arsenal.

Wrestling & Grappling

Jon Jones: One of the most dominant wrestlers in UFC history, with an ability to ragdoll elite grapplers and control opponents with suffocating top pressure.
Magomed Ankalaev: A strong wrestler in his own right, but he has never faced someone with the sheer technical prowess of Jones.

➡ Edge: Jon Jones, due to his superior ground control and takedown variety.

Cardio & Durability

Jon Jones: A proven five-round fighter with legendary endurance. He has gone through wars and always finds a way to win in the later rounds.
Magomed Ankalaev: Excellent gas tank, but has not faced the same level of five-round wars as Jones.

➡ Edge: Jon Jones due to experience in championship rounds.

Overall Prediction?

If the fight were to happen, Jon Jones would likely be the favorite, but Ankalaev presents a real threat. His power, wrestling, and patience could make him one of the toughest matchups for Jones since Daniel Cormier.

Will This Fight Ever Happen?

While the idea of Jon Jones vs. Magomed Ankalaev is enticing, there are several hurdles:

Jones is focused on heavyweight: His goal is to defend his title against Stipe Miocic or Tom Aspinall.
Ankalaev needs to clean out his division: He has yet to defend his title multiple times to truly be considered a dominant champion.
UFC’s matchmaking priorities: The UFC is more likely to book fights that generate high pay-per-view numbers, and right now, heavyweight showdowns seem to be the focus.

That said, crazier things have happened in MMA. If Ankalaev continues to dominate, and Jones runs out of options at heavyweight, we could see this fight materialize.

Conclusion: A Dream Fight That May Never Happen

Magomed Ankalaev’s challenge to Jon Jones has added excitement and intrigue to the UFC landscape. While it is unlikely that Jones will return to light heavyweight, the mere prospect of this fight has generated significant buzz.

For now, the focus remains on Jones’ heavyweight title defense and Ankalaev’s next challenger at 205 lbs. However, in the ever-unpredictable world of MMA, nothing is off the table.

Would you like to see Jones vs. Ankalaev happen? Who do you think would win? Let us know in the comments!