Revelation of Jon Jones’ weight gain photos circulating on social media prior to UFC 285 has left UFC enthusiasts surprised by the fighter’s noticeably bulkier physique. Jon Jones, also known as Jonathan Dwight Jones, is a prominent American MMA fighter who has made his mark in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight division.
Previously, the MMA fighter held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice, from March 2011 to April 2015 and from December 2018 to August 2020. Furthermore, in 2016, he briefly secured the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. As of February 14, 2023, he occupies the #10 spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. With his shift from light-heavyweight to heavyweight, concerns arose about the impact of his increased weight on his performance against his upcoming opponent Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. This marks Jones, 35, making his MMA debut in the heavyweight category.
Jon Jones’ Weight Gain Journey and Transformation
Transitioning from light heavyweight to heavyweight posed a challenge for Jon Jones, necessitating an increased intake of proteins and a substantial diet to support his physique transformation. Jones capitalized on the pandemic-induced break to develop the physicality required to compete against the UFC’s top-tier fighters. The demands of his rigorous gym regimen, characterized by extensive hours and numerous repetitions, along with a significant calorie surplus, have shaped his body into that of a natural heavyweight. His weight gain journey involved consuming 4500 calories, lifting 227 kg during deadlifts, and bench pressing 136 kg, as reported by The Sun. Stan Efferding, a renowned transformation and powerlifting coach, tailored a program specifically catering to Jones’ physique.
Jon Jones adhered to a nutrition plan involving four carefully selected, highly nutritious meals each day, amounting to a substantial intake of 4500 calories on training days. His training regimen alternated between high-load and low-load sessions, with strenuous weightlifting preceding wrestling or kickboxing practices. The MMA practitioner, renowned for his affinity for powerlifting, seamlessly integrated heavy lifting into his traditional martial arts training.
Jon Jones’ Workout Routine and Diet
Jon Jones strictly follows a diet primarily consisting of plant-based meals, with animal products consumed sparingly and in moderate quantities on occasion. He limits his consumption of red meat to lean dishes only. In preparation for his new heavyweight opponents, Jones purportedly adhered to an intense regime, consuming 5000 calories daily and engaging in a rigorous body-building exercise program. Addressing his training program, Jon emphasized his commitment to cardio and strength training thrice a week, citing compound exercises as the optimal and swiftest approach for augmenting strength and muscle growth.
As part of his training, Jon Jones employs technologically advanced equipment replicating real combat scenarios. His trainer uses a method involving strapping Jones into a vest outfitted with resistance wires and placing a dummy on a non-motorized treadmill. Additionally, Jones incorporates the VertiMax machine, a platform equipped with bungee cords, to enhance his entire body’s strength, particularly focusing on core muscles and other muscle groups. Given the demands of MMA combat, core strength holds utmost importance for enduring various strikes to the abdomen and empowering forceful, explosive movements such as punches and kicks.
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