Jon Jones starts as overwhelming favorite to beat Stipe Miocic in potential title fight

Jon Jones made a statement in his return to the octagon at UFC 285 as he capped off a dominant performance by submitting Ciryl Gane to win the vacant heavyweight championship. After the fight, 'Bones' called out former champion Stipe Miocic for International Fight Week.

It appears as though the highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 290 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this July. Oddsmakers seem to be backing Jones to win, as he opened up as an overwhelming favorite against Miocic. BT Sport journalist Chamatkar Sandu tweeted the opening betting lines:

"Jon Jones is already a massive favourite in a GOAT vs. GOAT fight with Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship!"

According to BetOnline.ag, 'Bones' is a -360 favorite, while Miocic is a +295 underdog. This means that a $50 wager on the heavyweight to retain the title will earn a total payout of $63.89. Meanwhile, the same $50 wager on the challenger will result in a total payout of $197.50.

Obviously, there could be recency bias as the two-division UFC champion had just dominated that No.1-ranked heavyweight, and Miocic hasn't fought since losing the heavyweight championship to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in 2021.

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Jon Jones offers to train Gervonta Davis in MMA

Many UFC fighters have transitioned to the squared circle and competed in boxing bouts since leaving the promotion. However, Jon Jones has now offered his services to an elite boxer should he decide to transition to MMA.

During UFC 285: Embedded, 'Bones' met boxing champion Gervonta Davis at the UFC PI, and the two had a great conversation. There was clearly a lot of mutual respect, and during their conversation, the UFC heavyweight champion offered to train Davis in grappling and wrestling if he was interested in competing in MMA.

"We want to get you in the cage, I'll teach you myself, man. I'll teach you how to grapple, jiu-jitsu, all that. Little wrestling, it'll be easy for you bro, it'll be easy for you. Them hands right there, ain't nobody trying to see them hands. I've been watching man, I'm a massive fan. You killing it, you hurting folks out there."

Check out the video below from the 9th minute mark:

Only time will tell if 'Tank' will ever entertain an offer to compete in an MMA fight in the future.