Ex-champ Jon Jones suggests UFC 198 in New York City for return fight

Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones certainly seems to be nearing fight shape.

Jones, recently reinstated to the UFC roster following his latest legal issue, recently posted the above photo on his private Instagram account (via Reddit MMA).

According to Jones, it shows the difference between his 2013 offseason and his current offseason. The difference is obvious and seems to suggest a motivated “Bones,” who mentioned April 23 in his post as a possible return date.

Although it’s far from official, UFC executives plan to host a pay-per-view event – likely UFC 198 – at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on April 23. However, though New York represents a potentially lucrative market for the world’s most prominent MMA promotion, the UFC and other supports have repeatedly failed to bring regulated MMA to the state.

New York native Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC), ranked No. 1 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA light-heavyweight rankings (and No. 1 pound-for-pound), is expected to fight No. 2-ranked 205-pounder Daniel Cormier (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in his return fight. When Jones was stripped of the belt, former foe and rival Cormier won the vacant belt, and the rematch is likely to do big numbers for the promotion.

Cormier, though, said he’s not really interested in fighting Jones in New York. If the UFC is willing to wait, UFC 200 on July 9 – a potentially massive event in Las Vegas – could instead play host.

Regardless of when it happens, Jones seems to be plenty motivated.

For more on UFC 198 and UFC 200, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.