Jon Jones is leaving no stone unturned ahead of UFC 309.
The heavyweight champion will defend his belt against former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 16.
Jones is widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all timeGetty
Miocic hasn’t fought since getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou more than three years ago, so some UFC fans believe he should be relatively easy opponent to deal with.
However, Jones recently shared a photo to Instagram that showed he’s taking the MMA legend extremely seriously ahead of their main event clash at UFC 309.
It showed ‘Bones’ surrounded by some of the best people in combat sports.
Most notably, top heavyweight boxing contender Joseph Parker was there.
The former WBO champion found fame when he lost to Anthony Joshua in 2018 – but since then he’s established himself as the best of the rest in the heavyweight division.
Parker holds high-profile wins over Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, Derek Chisora, Hughie Fury and Andy Ruiz.
The 32-year-old typically trains with boxing superstar Tyson Fury – but right now he’s in America helping Jones to get ready for his first defence as heavyweight champion.
Also alongside Jones was former UFC fighter Alan Belcher and George Lockheart, who is a fight nutrition specialist known for previously working with Conor McGregor.
“A few new dogs in the yard Joseph Parker, Alan Belcher and George Lockheart. I appreciate the help, let’s work,” he captioned the photo.
Jones’ next post showed that he and Parker are already firm friends.
Jones is surrounding himself with the best people ahead of UFC 309@jonnybones – instagram
Paker is one of boxing’s best heavyweights and has been for yearsGETTY
The 37-year-old shared a video to his Instagram story that called for Parker to get the next shot at Daniel Dubois after his shock win over Joshua this past weekend.
‘Dynamite’ defended his IBF heavyweight title by knocking out Joshua in round five of their fight in front of over 98,000 people at Wembley Stadium.
Parker appears to be on the cusp of earning a shot at a world title.
Oleksandr Usyk holds the three other major heavyweight belts and will put them on the line in a rematch against Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21.
The New Zealander is likely to fight on their undercard and hopes His Excellency Turki Alalshikh can convince Dubois to face him before the end of the year.
It’s currently unclear who Dubois will box next. The 27-year-old has plenty of options, including a rematch with Joshua and a four-belt bout with the winner of Usyk vs Fury II.
Parker may have to face someone else if he hopes to fight again in 2024.
