Jon Jones shows off dramatic powerlifting transformation and hints at preparation for April UFC title fight with Daniel Cormier

  • Jon Jones posts picture of new hulking physique next to 2013 skinny frame
  • 'Bones' hints he is getting ready to fight Daniel Cormier at UFC 198 in April
  • UFC 198 is expected to be UFC's debut in New York if MMA is legalised
  • Bones was recently reinstated to the UFC after being stripped of his title
  • The former light-heavyweight champion was involved in a hit-and-run 

By Rory Brigstock-barron For Mailonline

Published: 06:07 EST, 19 November 2015 | Updated: 08:32 EST, 19 November 2015

Jon Jones has given his biggest hint yet that he will fight Daniel Cormier in April while showing off his new hulking physique.

The former UFC light-heavyweight champion has posted several videos of himself powerlifting in the gym, during his forced sabbatical from the sport due to his involvement in a hit and run incident.

But it looks as though 'Bones' means business again as he eyes a rematch with current champ Cormier at the UFC's planned debut in New York on April 23 at UFC 198.

Jon Jones shows off the effects of his seven-month powerlifting regime with a picture of him two years ago

Jon Jones shows off the effects of his seven-month powerlifting regime with a picture of him two years ago

Jones (left) is expected to rematch UFC light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier next year

Jones (left) is expected to rematch UFC light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier next year

Posting a picture of himself from two years ago looking slender next to his new vein-bulging bodybuilder's physique, Jones showed off the gains of his seven-month training program.

'Started powerlifting June 1, 2015,' he wrote. 'In just about seven months of training four days a week my body has made a complete transformation.

'I want to send a sincere thank you to @mr_nfp @nez_hoover @zia_nfp for being such an amazing program and pushing me to this new level of fitness.

'Off season 2013 vs off season 2015. Five more months to prepare for this win. I'll be sure to be at my best April 23rd #NewLevels'.

Bones was stripped of his title in April after being charged following a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque

Bones was stripped of his title in April after being charged following a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque

Jones beat Cormier in January, but Cormier won the vacant belt when Bones was stripped in April

Jones beat Cormier in January, but Cormier won the vacant belt when Bones was stripped in April

Jones was recently reinstated by the UFC, after being granted a conditional release and with up to 18 months of supervised probation following his guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident. 

Until earlier this year Jones was notorious in the MMA community for only training during fight camps and spending the rest his down-time building up a bit of a belly.

But since moving from New York to Albuquerque where he can train at Jackson's MMA all year round, the previously imperious Jones looks an even scarier opponent.

The change in the 28-year-old's physique will fuel questions he has faced throughout his career that he will eventually move up to heavyweight.

But Jones has unfinished business at light-heavyweight, where his bitter rival Cormier now holds the belt despite losing to Bones in January.

Bones helped prepare new UFC women's bantamweight champion and stable-mate Holly Holm for her shock UFC 193 victory over Ronda Rousey on Sunday. 

Jones (centre) is now training with coaches Greg Jackson (left) and Mike Winkeljohn (right) full time

Jones (centre) is now training with coaches Greg Jackson (left) and Mike Winkeljohn (right) full time

Comments (26)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now