Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Downtown Las Vegas’ newest property, Circa Resort & Casino, has been known to attract different celebrities — and UFC powerhouses are no exception.

Heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones was recently spotted hanging out at Circa ahead of his showdown against Stipe Miocic at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this weekend. Jones spent his downtime at the Apex watching UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates. The champ remained in high spirits and took selfies with his fans.

Following Magny vs. Prates showdown, UFC fans who waited around witnessed Jones stepping into the octagon. He seemingly wanted to get a feel for the mat the week before his big match, so the heavyweight slipped off his shoes and entered the ring.

Jon "Bones" Jones
Jon “Bones” Jones visits “Sway in the Morning” hosted by SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway on Eminem’s Shade 45 at SiriusXM Studios on August 7, 2017 in New York City. The heavyweight champion stopped by a steakhouse…


Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

Once he left the Apex, Jones headed to Circa and ate at the renowned steakhouse Barry’s Downtown Prime. The fighter fueled up on protein with a surf and turf dish featuring a 2 lb. lobster tail, documenting the meal on his Instagram for his nearly 9 million followers.

After his three-course dinner, the powerhouse athlete took an A-List tour around the restaurant, where he met with the owners of the steakhouse — namesake Chef Barry S. Dakake and Yassine Lyoubi — and thanked the kitchen staff for his lavish meal. If Jones wins his UFC 309 match, there could potentially be a celebration at Barry’s Downtown Prime with his whole team and his coveted championship belt.

Jon "Bones" Jones
Jon “Bones” Jones in the kitchen at Barry’s Downtown Prime steakhouse with Barry S. Dakake and Yassine Lyoubi.

Circa Las Vegas/Circa Las Vegas

Next up for Jones — who was a guest of Circa casino executive and friend Richard Wilk — was a tour around the property, including the 60th floor Legacy Club, home of the rooftop cocktail lounge with panoramic city views. While touring the casino floor, Jones also met with Circa’s Vice President of Operations and UFC fan Rahmi Chaghouri.

Fans followed wherever the champion went; luckily for Jones, that’s one of his favorite parts of the job. He was thrilled to hear many people wish him well ahead of his UFC 309 face-off this weekend.