The long wait for Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut may have been extended somewhat, but the former undisputed light heavyweight king is keeping a lid on things as he prepares for his UFC return.

Jones, who hasn’t competed since February 2020, announced his move up to heavyweight last year, but has yet to make an appearance in his new weight class.

He was linked with a bout with former two-time heavyweight champion Miocic, with rumours suggesting the UFC were targeting the bout – as a possible interim heavyweight title fight – as a potential headliner for UFC 276 during UFC International Fight Week.

However, any thoughts of a summer return for “Bones” appear to be put on hold following a tweet from Jones, who revealed Miocic’s timeline for a return is aiming for late summer, rather than early July.

“Stipe is saying that he will be at his absolute peak in September,” Jones tweeted.

“I’m disappointed but patient, I want the heavyweight goat at his absolute best. I’ll wait until September. No excuses.”

He later responded to a reply saying “Man that sucks,” by continuing, “It really does man, my coaches and their families were definitely excited for this fight. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed today.”

Miocic is widely considered to be the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history, but his second title reign came to an abrupt end at the hands of Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021.

Now the Ohio native is looking to bounce back once again in a bid to become a three-time champion. His first title stint ended when he was knocked out by Daniel Cormier at UFC 226, but he bounced back in the rematch to finish “DC” by TKO at UFC 241 13 months later.