Jon Jones Targeting April Return, Looking At UFC 145

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is hoping to return to the cage in April, possibly at UFC 145 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jan 20, 2012 - Jon Jones' vacation didn't last as long as he planned.

In the aftermath of one of the most legendary runs in mixed martial arts history -- twelve months that saw the 24-year-old storm through Ryan Bader, Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson and Lyoto Machida en route to the UFC light heavyweight strap -- Jones politely asked for a break to follow his December title defense.

A month of inactivity later, "Bones" appears to have that itch back.

"I realized over this time off that fighting is my livelihood," Jones explained on the UFC on FX 1 post-fight show. "When I'm not fighting, even if I'm doing PR or working, I feel like I'm not doing anything. Fighting and training and being at the gym is what makes me feel alive.

"I've got to get back in there," he concluded.

For the UFC brass, Jones' timing appears to be perfect. Earlier this week the promotion scrapped plans for a Montreal show in March due to a lack of a "championship-caliber card."

With all eight of the match-ups now rebooked for UFC 145 on April 21 in Atlanta, and a "championship-caliber" headliner still up in the air, the UFC's fastest growing star could likely fit the bill.

Jones seemingly revealed as much when asked for a target date for his return.

"You know I've been hearing rumors of, maybe, the (Atlanta) card," the young champion tentatively responded. "Around April I'll be ready."