Jon Jones Gives Update on Next Fight After Felony Charges, Charles Oliveira Raises $80K for Kids, and More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily column featuring the most interesting stories from the world of mixed martial arts. Before July 19, 2024, We are watching:

• Jones aims for November return
• Oliveira Gives Back Again Through Charity Auction
• Cejudo says Cortez is better than she showed

Jon Jones Outlines Specific Timeline For His Return After Misconduct Allegations

After being charged with two misdemeanors following a confrontation with a drug testing agent at his home, Jon Jones appears to be preparing for his comeback.

The UFC heavyweight champion was scheduled to make his first title defense last year at UFC 295 in New York, where he faced Stipe Miocic.

When he withdrew due to injury, it was suspected that we would see “Bones” back a year later and that is now his clear focus.

He posted the following message on X, in which he specifically scheduled his return for approximately November 8th, with the specific time frame of 16 weeks. That’s just three days away from the fact that he was supposed to compete at UFC 295 a full year ago.

“Tomorrow I turn 37 years old!! I weigh 260 pounds and am 16 weeks away from fighting the most decorated heavyweight in UFC history. I feel like I’m in a great place right before training camp starts. My form is far from perfect in these videos but I’m happy with it considering the surgeries I’ve had recently. 16 more weeks to become the beast that I’m going to do. #Champion2024.”

Charles Oliveira raises huge sum for children in need through charity auction of signed gloves

Charles Oliveira continues to raise money for charity by using his own star status in Brazil to help others.

“Do Bronx” took part in a charity auction hosted by soccer star Neymar Jr. a few months ago, giving a fan the chance to gain special access to his fight preparations.

The last auction was hosted by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., with a signed glove from Oliveira up for grabs.

With this small act, the former UFC champion was able to raise a staggering $80,000 to help children in need.

Henry Cejudo Criticizes Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namajunas

Tracy Cortez’s teammate Henry Cejudo believes she could have shown a lot more in the main event last weekend in Denver.

Cortez stepped into the lead role on short notice to replace Maycee Barber and took on Rose Namajunas. The fight lasted five full rounds.

Cejudo, who admitted he was somewhat surprised by the way Namajunas approached the fight, believes Cortez did not deliver her best performance of the night.

He said on the Pond 4 Pond podcast that the replacement fighter did not play to her strengths well enough in the fight, which ultimately did her in. She said that if she learned this lesson, she would come back stronger.

“Tracy didn’t show up, man. I just don’t know how to say it; man, that’s not the Tracy we know. I watched the fight again and she didn’t try to take anyone down once; after she tried a takedown once, that was it, no level changes involved. I talked to her afterward on Saturday and just said, ‘Hey, keep your head up, man. It was an experience, but I just know you’re better than that, Tracy.'”

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