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Lean to Mean: Jones' Physique Evolution
JON JONES made his long-awaited move up to heavyweight at UFC 285 last March, showcasing a completely different physique from his time as the light-heavyweight king. The 37-year-old underwent a dramatic body transformation to prepare for his debut in the heavyweight division, where he quickly dispatched Ciryl Gane to become a two-division world champion.
Behind the Scenes: Training and Diet
To make his move up to heavyweight, Jones put in hundreds of hours in the gym with world-renowned coach Stan Efferding. Efferding played a crucial role in Jones' physical transformation, focusing on a strategic diet plan and intense training sessions to build the fighter's body required for the heavyweight division.
The Diet Plan: Fueling the Transformation
Key to Jones' success was consuming a staggering 4500 CALORIES on training days, with a focus on nutritious meals to fuel his body. Efferding ensured Jones maintained a balance between calorie intake and muscle growth, avoiding unnecessary body fat gain during the transformation process.
Training Regimen: Mixing Powerlifting with Martial Arts
Unlike traditional approaches to moving up in weight, Jones prioritized his skills training alongside brutal lifting sessions. His love for powerlifting led to intense sessions with Efferding, where he consistently pushed his limits in the gym by bench-pressing over 300lbs and deadlifting over 500lbs.
Preparation for Fight Night
As Jones gears up for his upcoming clash with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, he has decided to shed some muscle mass to enter the fight one stone lighter. This strategic decision aims to optimize his performance in the octagon, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to success in the heavyweight division.
