Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones started deadlifting 6 months ago. Back in beginning of October, his deadlift personal best was 525 lbs (238kgs), weighing 222 lbs (100 kgs). Now, end of November, his personal best is 600 lbs (272kgs).
So how is this going to translate to MMA when Jon Jones makes his UFC comeback in early 2016?
UFC president Dana White was on ESPN last week, and he talked about Jones current training and how he believes that he’s putting the extra bulk in order to move to heavyweight.
“He’s actually doing really well. And I don’t know if you follow him on Instagram, but he’s been in the gym. You won’t believe him when you see him. He has completely transformed. This guy is jacked. He’s been lifting, like powerlifting. He’s huge right now.”
“He’ll still be a light heavyweight, but he’s planning on making that move to heavyweight. He definitely is. Jones looks awesome. He’s one of those freakish kind of athletes, he might be the best who’s ever done it. He might be the best that’s ever been in the game. And he’s one of those freakish athletes that could [have success at both weight classes]. I mean, look at his brothers. Chandler is having an incredible season with the Patriots right now. He’s a freak of nature, this guy could do anything, and it’s good to see his head clear. And trust me, I’d rather see him in the gym than, you know.”
Jon Jones told MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani that the move to heavyweight was “inevitable” last month and the UFC president seems to agree.
