What’s Next For Jon Jones?
Jon Jones is still the UFC Heavyweight Champion after having stopped Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, raising questions over his next steps.
Jones has been facing pressure to fight Tom Aspinall, who is the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion. Jones’ initial comments have suggested that he is not keen on the fight. He dismissed Aspinall’s achievements by questioning his credentials. Tom has never won a world title. However, he has put himself in a position to fight for it, having beaten all the other contenders in the division.
He even asked for Jones to be stripped of his belt if the American is not keen on the fight. But after his win, Jones said fans may get to see what they want, suggesting it could be Aspinall next. Dana White has doubled down on that view, saying the winner should fight Tom. Jones’ following comments could be to get the most money from the UFC.
Jones Vs. Aspinall
“As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire. I have some conversations to have with Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] and we have some negotiating to do and everything goes right, maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see. I know that we have options. I’m just going to see what Uncle Dana wants and what Uncle Hunter wants and you guys will hear about it soon,” Jones said
Another alternative is to vacate the UFC Heavyweight Belt and face Alex Pereira. Pereira is a two-weight world champion and the current champ at light heavyweight. Jones has repeatedly said that this is a bigger fight than Aspinall globally. However, Pereira may not take it if the heavyweight belt is not on the line.
While Jones could move back down to light heavyweight, Pereira has other options. He is facing increasing pressure to fight Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian is undefeated in his last 13 fights. He has 11 wins, a draw and a no-contest. He has already accused Pereira of ducking him while also saying that he was told he would fight Pereira next by Dana White.
Equally, Jones could retire. Jones has proven that he is one of the best MMA fighters ever. He has big-name wins over Ciryl Gane, Daniel Cormier and Miocic, to name a few. He also became the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 when he beat Mauricio Rua in 2011. His legacy has already been established, with White calling him the best ever.
What’s Next?
Jones has also secured his financial future. His form has shown he is not the most active of late. He beat Ciryl Gane after around three years away from the sport. He would then pick up a pectoral muscle injury, which prevented the Miocic fight at UFC 295. Since he is 37, he does not need to risk his legacy. However, after his latest win, Jones felt he still could have one more fight.
“As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire. I have some conversations to have with Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] and we have some negotiating to do and everything goes right, maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see. “I know that we have options. I’m just going to see what Uncle Dana wants and what Uncle Hunter wants and you guys will hear about it soon,” Jones said
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