The UFC heavyweight division is in a state of flux as champion Jon Jones prepares to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 this Saturday. But it’s Jones’ bold claims about his future plans that have truly set the MMA world abuzz. The former light heavyweight king has audaciously declared that, should he emerge victorious over Miocic, he has no interest in facing interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall. Instead, Jones has his sights set on a blockbuster showdown with newly crowned light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
However, UFC President Dana White has swiftly and unequivocally shut down any notion of a Jones-Pereira superfight. In a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” White made it abundantly clear that if Jones wishes to continue his illustrious career inside the Octagon, he has only one path forward: a unification bout with Aspinall.
If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.
– Dana White, UFC President
Jones’ Pereira Fixation Meets White’s Immovable Stance
Despite White’s stern ultimatum, Jones remains steadfast in his desire to face Pereira, even going so far as to suggest he would willingly vacate his heavyweight title to make the fight happen. The 35-year-old superstar has labeled Aspinall “a–hole” and expressed zero interest in doing business with the British behemoth. But White isn’t having any of it.
He’s not fighting Pereira. [Pereira] was a middleweight that moved up to light heavyweight. He’s also a kickboxer who has done very, very well in MMA. His wrestling isn’t even near the level of Jon Jones and Jon Jones is way bigger than him.
– Dana White on Jones vs Pereira
White’s words serve as a stark reminder of the vast differences between Jones and Pereira in terms of size, experience, and grappling pedigree. While a clash between the two champions would undoubtedly generate massive interest, the UFC boss seems unwilling to entertain the idea at the expense of the heavyweight division’s integrity.
Aspinall’s Undeniable Claim to the Throne
Tom Aspinall’s meteoric rise through the heavyweight ranks cannot be ignored. The 30-year-old Brit boasts an impressive 8-1 record in the UFC, with all eight victories coming by way of stoppage in under seven minutes. His lone loss came due to a freak leg injury just seconds into his bout with Curtis Blaydes.
Aspinall’s recent demolition of Sergei Pavlovich to capture interim gold only further solidified his status as the division’s most dangerous contender. With a well-rounded skill set and a knack for quick finishes, the Manchester native has more than earned his shot at undisputed glory.
White Dismisses Ducking Allegations, Backs Jones’ Legacy
When pressed about the perception that Jones may be ducking Aspinall, White was quick to defend his longtime superstar. He pointed to Jones’ age and unparalleled résumé as proof that the former light heavyweight champion fears no man.
For anybody to say that he is ducking anybody, Jon Jones is like 37, 38 years old. He has fought everybody. He has fought the best in the world in their prime and been doing it since he was 23 years old. He doesn’t duck anybody.
– Dana White on Jon Jones’ legacy
White’s unwavering support for Jones is a testament to the fighter’s enduring greatness and the indelible mark he has left on the sport. However, it also serves as a sharp contrast to his stern insistence that Jones must face Aspinall next or not at all.
The Inevitable Showdown: Jones vs. Aspinall
Despite Jones’ current reluctance to face Aspinall, White seems confident that the allure of competition and financial reward will eventually bring the heavyweight champion back into line. The UFC president knows Jones better than most and believes that, given time, the fire to prove himself against the division’s best will reignite.
That is classic Jon Jones right there. Jon will do what he does on Saturday, if he wins, he will disappear for a while and then that competitive spirit will start bubbling up again. Then money will talk. If he doesn’t decide to retire, he will absolutely, positively fight Tom Aspinall.
– Dana White on Jones’ competitive drive
As UFC 309 approaches, the eyes of the MMA world are fixed upon Jon Jones and his date with destiny against Stipe Miocic. But beyond the bright lights of the Octagon, a new challenge awaits in the form of Tom Aspinall. Whether Jones likes it or not, Dana White has made it crystal clear that the path to heavyweight greatness runs directly through the British phenom. The question is, will Jones rise to the occasion or risk tarnishing his legacy by chasing a fight that may never materialize?
