Jamelle Jones promising fireworks in return to light heavyweight division: 'Dana White and Mick Maynard, tune in'
Former CFFC heavyweight champ returns to promotion down a weight class at CFFC 127 on UFC FIGHT PASS.
As a veteran of Dana White's Contender Series and the PFL, Jamelle Jones has had a taste of life at the highest level of MMA. Now, after 15 months of dedication and an incredible physical transformation, the former CFFC heavyweight champion is ready for more than just a cup of coffee in the big show.
"I'm still hungry," Jones said. "I'm still just as ambitious at 35 years old. You know, I took my lumps and I took my bruises and stuff. I had a couple malicious knockouts, but all that did is make me a scary man because I've given some bad knockouts, too, and I'm going to continue doing what I do."
Jones first made his way to Dana White's Contender Series in 2017 as a light heavyweight, where he suffered a loss to Mike Rodriguez, who would end up signing a contract and making eight appearances with the UFC.
Jones then decided a change was in order, making a move up a weight class to pursue another run to the top. It paid off, with Jones claiming the CFFC belt in 2021 and then earning an invitation to the PFL, where he qualified for the playoffs in his initial season but was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champion Bruno Cappelozza.
He returned for the 2022 PFL season but was knocked out by 6-foot-8 Brazilian behemoth Renan Ferreira.
"I had a lot of people guiding me towards heavyweight because it was a little bit weaker, and it was maybe like a faster way into the UFC, plus I was kind of having a bit of trouble making weight at 205," Jones said. "So I focused on just my technique, just my striking, and I just fought at heavyweight. After focusing on my striking and stuff, I was just outmatched with size.
"I started going against guys once I got to the elite, elite level, and they had an edge over me, so I wanted to go back to where I had an edge, where I'd be bigger, stronger, and I'd have more edges, and that's when I decided to go back down to 205."
The transformation wouldn't be easy, of course. Weighing as much as 250 pounds during his heavyweight run, Jones had some significant mass to shed, but he says a disciplined approach ensured his success.
"At first I started just following dietitians online and just picking up tips and putting them in my lifestyle," Jones said. "I was obedient enough to follow what they said as far as eating, as far as their programs, as far as the things that they're using. All I did is I was obedient enough to do it myself. For 15 months I locked in.
"I also have a doctor in physical therapy who writes all my workouts, Dr. Dylan Lemery, and he has DL Training Systems. He trains Mike Chiesa, Brady Heistand, Juliana Miller, and a couple other UFC fighters. If you see their bodies, it's a complete transformation, so he's been my guy for the last 15 months, even if I haven't been in with him. He sends me workouts weekly, and we talk every day."
Jones (13-8) now returns to the light heavyweight division as he also comes back to his old stomping grounds at CFFC, as well. He takes on fellow Dana White's Contender Series veteran Jesse Murray (9-5) at CFFC 127, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Mississippi's Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino on Friday, November 3.
Hailing from Ohio's famed Strong Style Training Center, the longtime home of former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, Murray offers a well-rounded challenge, but Jones believes he's already faced better.
"I know he might train with Stipe a little bit, but I don't see him too much hands-on with him," Jones said. "I know he's out of that gym. I know he has good people around him, but regardless, if he's training with Stipe or what gym he's fighting at, these people can't fight his battles.
"All I know is where I'm at and where I'm trying to go. I don't care who I'm fighting. I don't care who he is. I'm bringing the pain."
CFFC will certainly provide Jones an opportunity to showcase his development as a mixed martial artist. A lifelong wrestler with proven knockout ability, Jones believes he's finally in the right division and the right headspace to truly succeed in the sport. Now it's just a matter of proving it.
"I put all my investments into myself," Jones said. "I've got a home gym at my house, and I've just been starving to get back to what's mine, man. I'm going to bring it to this motherf-cker's house. Dana White and Mick Maynard, tune in."
