UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has his sights set on a legacy-defining superfight against light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira if he decides to continue fighting after his upcoming bout against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16. In a recent interview, Jones made it clear that a title unification fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall holds little interest for him at this stage of his illustrious career.
Jones Shuts Down Aspinall Fight
When asked about potentially facing Aspinall next, the 37-year-old Jones was quick to dismiss the idea. “More than likely not,” he told Kevin Iole. “I feel like Tom Aspinall is — I don’t want to say nobody — but he hasn’t proven anything, he hasn’t done anything. I’m not here to gamble on someone else making a name off of me.”
Despite Aspinall’s impressive run in the UFC, which includes a string of first-round finishes over top contenders, Jones believes the British fighter has yet to establish himself as a true threat to his throne. The two-time heavyweight champion seems unwilling to risk his legacy against an up-and-coming talent who may not have the same drawing power or name recognition as some of his previous opponents.
Pereira Emerges as Top Target
Instead of entertaining a fight with Aspinall, Jones has his eyes on a much bigger prize: a cross-divisional showdown with reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. “If there were to be a fight with a guy that’s still on our UFC roster that would be not only financially worth it but legacy worth it, it would be Alex Pereira,” Jones revealed.
The prospect of two champions from different weight classes squaring off in the octagon is an enticing one for fight fans. Pereira, who like Jones is 37 years old, has been on a tear since capturing the 205-pound title, notching three consecutive knockout victories over top contenders Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. in a span of just 175 days.
“Alex Pereira and I, we’re both 37 years old. Right now I weigh about 235 [pounds]. I’m an incredibly light heavyweight. I think Pereira walks around at 240. I think that fight would go much farther on my legacy than a young man who’s cool today and maybe gone tomorrow.”
– Jon Jones on a potential fight with Alex Pereira
Legacy Over Short-Term Hype
For Jones, who has been competing at the highest level of the sport for over a decade, the allure of a legacy-defining fight against a fellow all-time great like Pereira is far more appealing than taking on a rising star like Aspinall. “I’ve just been here too long to get all excited about someone who’s hot today,” Jones explained. “I’m here for legacy. I’ve been gambling for too long to just take random fights.”
As he prepares for his highly anticipated showdown with Miocic at UFC 309, Jones appears to be carefully plotting his next move. While the outcome of that fight will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping his future, it’s clear that the heavyweight champion has his sights set on cementing his place in the history books with a blockbuster bout against Pereira.
The Road Ahead
Whether the UFC will grant Jones his wish remains to be seen. The promotion has a history of prioritizing title unification bouts, and with Aspinall waiting in the wings as the interim champion, it may be difficult for Jones to bypass him in favor of a superfight with Pereira.
However, if anyone has the star power and influence to make such a fight happen, it’s Jon Jones. The former light heavyweight kingpin has been a major draw for the UFC for years, and his move up to heavyweight has only increased his marketability.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits Jones’ return to the octagon against Miocic, the speculation about his future will only continue to grow. Will he ride off into the sunset after adding another chapter to his already legendary career, or will he pursue one last great challenge against Pereira? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: whenever Jon Jones fights, the entire sports world will be watching.
