Get a clear first look at Jon Jones’ heavyweight physique ahead of UFC 285

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is just days away from making his heavyweight debut at UFC 285, but you don’t have to wait until Saturday to see what he’ll look like in the cage.

Competing with the big boys at heavyweight meant Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) had to pack some pounds on his 6ft 4 frame and he’s spent the last three years building mass, while maintaining his athleticism. At UFC 285 media day Wednesday, Jones addressed the changes in his physique and how he expects to appear in the cage against Ciryl Gane (11-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) for the vacant main event heavyweight title, per T-Mobile- Arena in Las Vegas.

“Honestly, I feel like a stronger version of myself,” Jones told reporters. “I’m not super skinny. I don’t have a mean six pack like I used to. It took me a while to get used to it, you know what I mean? I used to measure my fitness level by looking in the mirror.

“I’m a heavyweight now. It’s not about how you look. It’s about how you appear. I feel like I’m performing really well. … I feel really good. I like it. I can eat whatever I want, feel good. Life is good.”

Pictures from the UFC 285 pre-fight photoshoot are available now, and you can get your first look at Jones’ heavyweight frame in the Venum UFC fight kit. Take a look at Jones’ new physique below (via Getty Images):
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For comparison to Jones’ frame at light heavyweight, check out these pictures before his final appearance at UFC 247 in February 2020:

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At UFC 247, Jones weighed just under the light heavyweight championship mark when he defended his title against Dominick Reyes, tipping the scales at 204 pounds.

It remains to be seen what he will do at Friday morning’s official weigh-in, but as you can see from the pictures he’s nowhere near the light heavyweight division these days.

Visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285 for more information on the card.

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Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie