Jon Jones fears "deception" after Stipe Miocic releases lackluster training video online: "If your opponent appears weak, prepare even harder"

Jon Jones has not entered the octagon since capturing the heavyweight title with a first-round submission victory over Cyril Gane at UFC 285 last March. 'Bones' had been set to defend his belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in Nov. 2023.

However, he was forced to withdraw after tearing the tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone, delaying his return.

Miocic recently shared footage of himself training on Instagram, captioning the post:

"Weekend work."

Check out Stipe Miocic's training footage below:

Jones reacted to the footage in response to a fan who suggested Miocic was trolling, tweeting:

"I’m not a historian of war or anything, but I have learned a thing or two in my day. A big part of combat strategy is timing, and deception. To make a long story short, if your opponent appears weak, prepare even harder. Complacency is the greatest enemy to a fighter like myself."

Check out Jon Jones' reaction to Stipe Miocic's training footage below:

Miocic has not competed since losing the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou via second-round knockout at UFC 260 in March 2021. Despite his inactivity and online suggestions that he cannot compete with Jones, the heavyweight champion appears to be taking his upcoming opponent very seriously.

Stipe Miocic shares possible timeline for Jon Jones title bout

Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic appeared set to clash last November, however, an injury delayed the bout as the heavyweight champion tore the tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone. While there were rumors that the two could headline UFC 300, nothing failed to materialize as 'Bones' had not yet recovered from the injury.

During a recent appearance on the JAXXON podcast, the No. 5-ranked heavyweight revealed that there had been talks about the fight taking place in July. However, he now believes it will be scheduled for Madison Square Garden in November.

Championship Rounds shared his comments, tweeting:

"🚨 Stipe Miocic says that the UFC had previously spoken to him about the fight between him and Jon Jones taking place in July, but he now believes the fight will take place in November at Madison Square Garden (via. JAXXON Podcast) #UFC #MMA".

Check out the tweet from Championship Rounds below:

Jones seemingly confirmed that the two will headline UFC 309, which is rumored to take place at Madison Square Garden in Nov. 2024. Both legendary fighters have teased that it could be their last trip to the octagon.