5 fights for Jon Jones upon his UFC return

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is currently uncertain about his fighting future. Due to his drug test mess at UFC 214 last July, he was recently slapped with a $205,000 fine and had his fighting license revoked for a year in the state of California, per the prerogative of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

He has yet to undergo arbitration with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), where he faces a possible four-year suspension. But assuming he gets a mere a six-month ban due to a reduced fault, similar to Yoel Romero in April 2016, or a one-year layoff like the CSAC punishment, these are the fighters that he could potentially face upon his return.

#5 Alexander Gustafsson

This rematch could easily be fight of the year.

Jones already fought Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson at UFC 165 in 2013. It was a notable fight, given that it was the first time the MMA world has seen "Bones" in a vulnerable state where he was battered, bloodied, and was in legitimate danger of incurring his first real career loss.

Through three rounds, Gustafsson was slowly picking the then-champion apart, but through grit, experience, and skill, Jones slowly clawed his way back into the fight to win the close decision.

The former top pound-for-pound fighter in the world later admitted that he did not put all his efforts in during his training camp for the Gustafsson fight, so it would be interesting to see how he would do if he did.

#4 Stipe Miocic

A change in weight class could see Jones challenge this heavyweight.

The UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world is also considered as the "baddest man on the planet", and it is a title that Stipe Miocic currently holds. He solidified this reputation when he defeated Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 last January, where he also set a UFC record for three straight title defenses, a first in the division.

What makes this fight interesting is that Jones could actually be suited for the heavyweight division. With his size, he could serve as a good match-up for Miocic, who not only hits hard, but is also a talented wrestler.

If Miocic does get through Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 this July and retains the title, it could be the fight that serves as his redemption. And if he wins, it definitely brings him back into the greatest of all-time conversation (but this is under the assumption that he does not fail any of his drug tests).

#3 Cain Velasquez

Jones v Velasquez would be an epic fight.

Back when he was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, pundits have already began floating the idea of matching Cain Velasquez up against Jon Jones. However, the tides have changed: Velasquez lost the title and became more sporadic in his fights; and Jones got into the mess that brought him to his current state.

Stylistically, however, it is a fight that can still be considered to be a dream match. It would be interesting to see how Cain's smothering pace and elite wrestling would fare against Jones' strength and creativity.

But in the meantime, it would be nice just to see either man get back on track with their careers, and hopefully have a smoother sailing run for both.

#2 Daniel Cormier

The feud between Cormier and Jones is far from over.

Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier could be one of the most significant rivalries in UFC and MMA history. It drew a lot of drama and interest, and the press conferences for both fights are strong statements for this argument.

Jones won both fights, leaving the only two losses in Cormier's impressive resumé. But at the same time, Jones has also yet to prove that he can dominate like he did, without the performance-enhancing drugs that have been found in his system, not once, but twice in a span of one year.

If this fight were to happen, it would be because Jones did end up getting a lighter sentence, since Cormier mentioned that he would be done with his fighting career by his 40th birthday on 20 March 2019.

#1 Brock Lesnar

The current WWE superstar would be an excellent match for Jones.

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current WWE superstar Brock Lesnar had been deemed as a "freak athlete" by many in both the MMA and pro-wrestling circles. His massive frame, along with the skill set that he brings to the table, are indeed enough reasons to make him stand out from the rest.

Like Lesnar, Jones also fits the same description, but in a slightly different light. While he also possesses a dominating frame, he differs in the creativity, and tenacity that has brought him a ton of success against elite fighters and legends of the sport.

What makes this fight interesting is that Lesnar's power could make him the first man to put Jones on his back and make him struggle. At the same time, Jones could be the first fighter to give Lesnar problems, given the strikes he can throw from different angles and scenarios. If anything, it may be a fight that should have happened three to four years ago, but it is a match-up that would still pique the interest of many fight fans.