Ranking of the best potential opponents for the return of Jon Jones to the UFC | Bleacher's report



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0 out of 5

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    Jon Jones is (almost) back!

    The former light heavyweight champion of the UFC is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, but transgressions outside the cage and failed tests have tainted his legacy. Now his return can help erase these dark marks and restore him to the elite.

    But who should face him when he goes to the octagon?

    The UFC has options. Jones is the best light heavyweight name, but he could also make a long-awaited move to the heavyweights to face a new set of challengers. No matter who stands in front of Jones, it will be a much anticipated fight because of his presence.

    So who should receive the call? What is the biggest fight? What is the best fight to do?

    It is time to consider the five best options for Jones' return to action.

1 of 5

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    Let's start with the obvious choice.

    Jones and Daniel Cormier have one of the brightest and best rivalries in the history of the UFC. Of course, Jones is 2-0, but his personal problems and recent suspension continue to lead to this potential interest for fans. Much of Cormier's interest has also not suffered from the victory in the heavyweight title.

    Cormier rejected the battle of the trilogy UFC tonight because he's fighting with Brock Lesnar. While this is true, the third fight with Jones is always something that would be appropriate as a competitor.

    Lesnar made a surprise comeback at WWE's pay-per-view, while most thought his return to the UFC would keep him out of the way. Does this mean that his return to the UFC is not done? What happens when he is suffering from an injury? The Cormier-Lesnar tilt is not signed. It could still fall apart.

    This means that this fight is still on the table and an enticing option.

    The bonus? It could be challenged at 205 or heavyweight for this respective title.

2 out of 5

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    Stipe Miocic boasts a rematch for the heavyweight gold being the most titled champion in history with three title defenses. But we all know that he's not that lucky.

    This means that Miocic will need another fight before fighting for the belt, and he deserves a high-level name. It's hard to sell in heavyweights.

    Jones provides this great opponent for Miocic and sets up a clear No. 1 contender. A heavy clash that could make the front page of any card without being a title fight, or be a main co-event for a card that the UFC wants to massively push.

    The fight would also give each of the UFC fans to Jones himself a good look at how he could compete in the heavyweights. The thought is that the transition would be transparent, but Miocic could certainly counteract this notion. It's a fight that checks all the boxes and could be one of the best options.

3 of 5

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    Jones vs. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson is another fight that could happen in heavyweights or heavyweights.

    Jones's Instagram post at a convention fueled the fire of the meeting. Both had a staredown. Of course, this was done for, but it gave a glimpse of how the two stacked up, which was enough to create a little buzz.

    In addition, Rumble appeared in the MMA Show of Ariel Helwani to say that even though he was still retired, he would not refuse the right offer. Is a fight with Jones the right offer? Perhaps

    A clash between Rumble and Bones is probably the best fight that could happen in light heavyweight, and this is one of the top three fights that could happen in heavyweight. One of the greatest fighters against one of the most electrifying artists. It's a fight that would attract.

    Given Johnson's status, he is also the most unlikely of contests.

4 out of 5

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    Maybe Jones should wait until Lesnar vs. Cormier takes place and face Lesnar, winner or loser, in 2019.

    It has been a dream match for a long time. Since Jones has acceded to the UFC light heavyweight title, fans have envisioned a rise and a fight against Lesnar. The pieces come together for the fight to actually happen.

    The two men clashed each other in 2017 before Jones was suspended. After Jones called him into the cage, Lesnar told The Associated Press, "Pay attention to what you want, young man. As we know, Jones's problems pushed him off the table and Lesnar stayed at the WWE.

    No matter the result of Lesnar vs. Cormier, the fight with Jones will be huge. To make sure that happens and that it is a massive fight, the UFC could look to keep Jones on the sidelines. This is not the preferable solution, but it could give everyone a huge salary without extra risk.

    In addition, Jones could play the substitute role for Cormier or Lesnar if the other was to be injured for his scheduled clash in early 2019.

5 out of 5

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    While the other four options are all enticing, there is only one option.

    It was and is still the biggest battle of light heavyweight titles in the history of the UFC. It was the first time Jones was really challenged. And fans have never had the revenge on the highly controversial decision of 2013. Five years later, we are still waiting.

    Why not now?

    Alexander Gustafsson is the right choice for the return of Jones.

    Jones vs. Gustafsson II, for the light heavyweight title, is all we should want. Cormier Lesnar fight during his last fight. This means that the light heavyweight belt is waiting for a decision from the UFC to be in the running during a first contest. It's this contest.

    Jones can always go fight Miocic, Lesnar, Francis Ngannou or anyone later. He has time The window on this fight closes. And that's the struggle the heavyweight division needs as it lacks power and intrigue.

    The UFC can cause a sensation by announcing the revenge we have been wanting for five years. It's time to pull the trigger.

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