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After receiving a call from former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones may have finally found a comeback opponent.
The former light-heavyweight champion hasn't fought since a contentious win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020, when he announced his intention to move up a category.
Unfortunately, the bulking-up process, a financial conflict with the UFC, and a definite lack of viable opponents have all kept him out of action since.
Jones is set to make his UFC 285 debut on March 4 in Las Vegas, and has been heavily linked to a battle with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou - but an alternate opponent has stepped forward.
Gane tweeted on Thursday evening: “Where you at Jon Jones? I’m free this March, Vegas.”
After impressing over his 12-fight MMA career, the French UFC star would undoubtedly be a respectable opponent for Jones.
Gane's only setback was a razor-thin decision loss to Ngannou last January, but he has since rebounded by knocking out top contender Tai Tuivasa.
'Bon Gamin's' rejection of Jones comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Ngannou's future in the UFC, as his contract legally terminated when they fought in 2022.
A 'Championship Clause' in the pact tying 'The Predator' to MMA's flagship promotion lasts one year or three fights, whichever comes first.
Ngannou has been out injured since, but he has recently accelerated his recuperation, raising hopes that he will be able to meet Jones in March.
More recently, he's fueled rumors that he would depart the UFC by posting seemingly benign family photos, only one of whom is wearing apparel with the insignia of UFC rival, PFL, who recently signed Jake Paul.
Eric Nicksick, Ngannou's head coach, has provided a favorable update on a potential battle between his fighter and Jones; he's just not sure if they'll meet in March.