5 UFC heavyweights who can beat Jon Jones when he makes a return

Jon Jones announced he would be moving up to the UFC's heavyweight division in 2020, but the former 205-lbs champion is still yet to make his divisional debut. Unfortunately for Jones, in the time after he announced he would move up, the division has evolved several times.

New contenders have emerged and established fighters have added to their games. Heavyweight has suddenly become a hotbed of talent, with the top five in the division looking more dangerous than ever.

In the following list we will go over five potential opponents that could give Jon Jones a rough welcome to the heavyweight division. Honorable mentions go to Derrick Lewis, Jarizinho Rozenstruik and Tom Aspinall.

Nothing but Champ pedigree from here on out at heavyweight!🤩🏆 Francis Ngannou🏆 Ciryl Gane🇭🇷 Stipe Miocic🇺🇸 Jon Jones pic.twitter.com/N0avNQc0E3

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 9, 2021

#5. Alexander Volkov - No.5-ranked UFC heavyweight

Alexander Volkov will pose Jones with a unique challenge.

Heavyweights are known for being abnormally large compared to the average person. But Alexander Volkov takes it to another level with his six-foot-seven-inch frame, which dwarfs nearly every other fighter in the UFC.

Not only does he have this tremendous height advantage, but he also knows how to use it. Stefan Struve, the seven-foot-tall former UFC heavyweight, often failed to utilize his height advantage to its full potential. That is not the case with Volkov. One only needs to look at the highlight of his fight with Alistair Overeem to fully comprehend just how dangerous 'Drago' is when fighting at range.

Last time out Volkov ended Alistair Overeem's fairytale.Can Drago be the man to stop the rise of Ciryl Gane?#UFCVegas30 pic.twitter.com/bLtY2OfnKE

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 22, 2021

The rarity of a fighter having such a large frame would be a completely alien concept to Jon Jones, who is used to outstriking his opponents at range. Volkov is also very adept at defending takedowns, which would likely be Jones' great equalizer.

UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov

#4. Stipe Miocic - No.2-ranked UFC heavyweight

Stipe Miocic has all the tools to beat Jon Jones UFC 225: Whittaker v Romero 2

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic brings arguably the most well-rounded skill set to the table in a potential fight against Jon Jones. He has knocked out some of the best fighters in the division, including Daniel Cormier, Junior Dos Santos and Mark Hunt. But he also out-wrestled Francis Ngannou for the better part of five rounds.

With the heavyweight title unification bout between Gane and Ngannou likely to occur next, Jon Jones' most likely high-profile opponent might be Miocic.

It is hard to see which area of the fight Jon Jones would be able to assert any modicum of dominance. Miocic has only lost twice since 2014, both coming by way of KO. Jones has never been known to possess considerable amounts of knockout power, often preferring to fight a battle of attrition.

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#3. Curtis Blaydes - No.4-ranked UFC heavyweight

Curtis Blaydes could dominate Jon Jones.

Curtis Blaydes has a very strong case for being the best wrestler in the heavyweight division. However, it has been his downfall in the past; he was caught by Derrick Lewis' uppercut while shooting for a takedown. But Jon Jones is almost a polar opposite fighter to Derrick Lewis.

Jones' wrestling game has always been an integral aspect of his skillset. It may have been an area he hoped to exploit when moving up into a division somewhat known for its lack of wrestlers.

But should Jones be taken down by Blaydes, he will feel the level of ground-and-pound known only to those who have shared the UFC octagon with a true MMA heavyweight.

#2. Ciryl Gane - UFC heavyweight interim champion

The newly crowned UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is the only fighter in the top 15 of the UFC's heavyweight division to still hold an undefeated record.

Not only is he still undefeated, but Gane appears to be getting better in every fight he competes in, despite the level of opponents also rising. The classic kryptonite of an MMA heavyweight is the lack of stamina and an inability to consistently perform at the same level for a full five rounds.

Against Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alexander Volkov, Gane looked as comfortable in round five as he did in round one. However, as was evident in his most recent bout against Derrick Lewis at UFC 265, 'Bon Gaming' has an eye for a finish. His high-level striking allows him to rely on technique to knock his opponents out rather than brute force.

Despite not having a wrestling or BJJ background, Gane also has a habit of taking the fight to the ground and locking up submissions. Admittedly such finishes have come against low-level opposition, but submissions are undoubtedly a weapon in the Frenchman's arsenal.

How to execute a perfect heel hook 😳Can 🇫🇷 @Ciryl_Gane lock in another slick sub tonight? #UFCVegas20 pic.twitter.com/PMPAWwQqHL

— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2021

Ganes' speed, athleticism and technique would no doubt push Jon Jones to the limit should they be matched up.

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#1. Francis Ngannou - UFC heavyweight champion

UFC 249 Ngannou v Rozenstruik

Current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is a nightmare matchup for anyone. 'The Predator' can knock anyone in the division out with just pure athletic ability alone.

However, we have recently seen him begin to bring technical advancements to his game. His measured approach against Stipe Miocic before knocking the former champion unconscious almost amplified just how terrifying an opponent he really is.

He also showed great takedown defense; his ground game let him down in his first fight with Miocic. He has also shown the beginnings of a kicking game, and it is hard to imagine Jones being a betting favorite in this fight.