Jon Jones Will ‘Likely’ Fight Next Year, Aspinall Fight Possible!
Jon Jones says he will compete in the UFC next year, raising hopes fans will finally see the Tom Aspinall fight.
Jones made the first defense of his UFC Heavyweight Title by stopping Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in the third round. In his post-fight comments, Jones suggested that he is willing to face anybody, provided that he gets big money. Before the fight, Dana White confirmed that Tom Aspinall would face the winner of Jones-Miocic. Stipe retired while there was speculation over whether Jones would do the same. Aspinall has already revealed that negotiations have begun for his return to the UFC. The UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion is also in training, just as Jones is, raising suggestions that will be the next fight.
“Yeah, we’re in negotiations right now. That’s the honest answer. So, we don’t know when the fight is going to be. But I’ll be ready to go whenever. I’m back in the gym now. I’m back in the gym training, as always. I’ll be ready to fight when they let me know. Until then, I’ll be improving, I’ll be getting better. So, no great rush on that. Obviously, I want to fight as soon as possible. But, right now, we’re just waiting on a date. That’s it,” Aspinall stated
Jones has been accused of avoiding Aspinall after his repeated claims that he does not need the Brit for his legacy. He has also discussed the possibility of facing the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira instead. However, White dismissed the idea of a Pereira bout, stating that it made no sense. Pereira also has the challenge of facing the leading contender in the division: Russian Magomed Ankalaev.
Jones Reacts
Ankalaev is undefeated in 13 fights, with 11 wins, a no-contest and a draw. Jones, meanwhile, can vacate his belt, retire or take on Aspinall. And given his latest comments, Jones said he would compete next year. He also revealed that he does have a monetary figure in his mind. However, Jones did not reveal the figure, leaving him in a strong negotiating position as questions remain over whether the UFC can get this fight over the line.
“So right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations, we’re in talks to see what happens next. I’m back in the gym. I’m training. I feel really great. The team’s support, they’re right behind me, and we’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes out way. There is (a figure in mind), but I’m not going to discuss that publicly. I will be competing in 2025, more than likely,” Jones said
Jones must keep himself free of injury. The champion has not been the most active fighter. He has only fought twice since 2020, when he beat Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Jones was absent for around three years before he returned to beat Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in the first round.
He then injured his pectoral muscle in sparring, preventing the Miocic fight at UFC 295 last November. As for Aspinall, the Brit has returned stronger since his knee injury against Curtis Blaydes in 2022. He has three first-round stoppage wins in a row, beating Blaydes in his last bout in the rematch at UFC 304. Staying injury-free will be vital for both men, with the biggest fight in the UFC potentially in the works.
Comments
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
