Jon Jones is planning to become heavyweight champion next year as he continues his preparations to return to the UFC.
The American star has been out of action since his dominant victory over Dominick Reyes in the early stages of 2020.
He is planning on making a successful switch to the top weight category after reigning as light-heavyweight champion twice during his UFC career.
Jones believes he has what it takes to become champion at heavyweight and has been working his "a** off" to make the switch.
He posted on Instagram : "I said I’ll be the champion in 2022, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I feel like I’m jumping up three weight classes, going from competing at 205 pounds to 265 pounds is no easy task.
"Nothing great happened overnight, I’m patient and I’m working my a** off every day towards my goals."
Jones is still recognised as one of the UFC's top 10 pound-for-pound fighters and is currently ranked at No.6.
His sensational career includes victories over the likes of Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson.
A historic tilt with Swedish star Gustafsson earned him a place in the promotion's Hall of Fame for which he collected an award in Las Vegas earlier this year.
The 34-year-old has frequently spoken of his plans to challenge dominant star Francis Ngannou who currently holds the heavyweight title.
And he will attempt to make a 65lb hike in a bid to challenge the best in the top division after suffering just one defeat in his UFC career to date.
Initially he will be forced to wait for his shot at a title with Ngannou set to defend his title against Cyril Gane at UFC 270 in January.
But Jones is happy to wait for the conclusion of the bout and is eyeing a target date in spring next year.
He told KRQE : “I’m looking to fight somewhere in April, possibly Madison Square Garden, or a total opposite date, possibly July at International Fight Week.
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“Those are the two dates that I’m kind of eyeing. I think it will depend on who wins in January between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, and we’ll just take it from there.
"I’m just a few months away now, can’t wait to see who wins this fight in January."
Ngannou's future is currently uncertain with the promotion as he looks to earn bigger financial incentives for his fighting career.
His contract is set to expire and the Cameroonian has hinted at potentially making a switch to boxing.
The champion has also admitted he no longer "cares" about a showdown with Jones in the future.
“Personally I don’t really care about that anymore,” Ngannou told MMA Junkie. “There is a lot of talk about Jon Jones. He says a lot of things, yet we are still here.
"I wasn’t even expecting to fight someone other than Jon Jones after the Stipe (Miocic) fight, but here I am. It’s almost 10 months away, I’m going to fight Ciryl Gane which wasn’t in the picture, in the landscape at that moment at all.”
