A clip has been circulating online of Jon Jones showcasing his new heavyweight strength by deadlifting a massive 585lbs (or 265kg) in the gym.

Jones has been seriously bulking up since his tight split decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020, with his eyes set on conquering the heavyweight division to only further his legacy in the sport.

Jones revealed in a recent tweet that between the heavyweight giants Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, he would prefer to face Miocic, explaining: “I think it proves a lot more. Fighting a fairly one-dimensional fighter fresh off of knee surgery [Ngannou]. I don’t know, I believe beating Stipe says more at this point.”

Many commentators have argued that Jones’ debut appearance in the heavyweight division at the deep end, by fighting former heavyweight champion Miocic, is a major mistake by the 34-year-old.

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman recently advised that Jones stay clear of the 6 foot 4 Miocic, who he described as a “different beast.”

However, Jones has had no problem in stacking on the weight, with the former light heavyweight champion now reportedly being near the 265lb limit, according to his sparring partner Yorgan De Castro.

That is a long way from his 205lb light heavyweight days!

De Castro does not have the same caution as many regarding Jones’ chances in the heavyweight division, having claimed that: “I think Jones will run through Stipe. I think [Jones] will take him down and win by TKO.”

Jones’ packed on weight does not appear to be fatty either, with the 6 foot 4 fighter carrying lots of muscle and strength, as seen in the clip of his monstrous deadlift.

The skills of Jones are incontestable; often being considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

However, the pure size difference between light heavyweight and heavyweight is astronomical and for Jones’ debut fight in the division to be against the best of the best in either Miocic or Ngannou must be slightly worrying for even the biggest ‘Bones’ fan.

However, it makes for great excitement and a heavily anticipated matchup if the fight is organised and agreed anytime soon, as expected.