The UFC is going to need some convincing if they want to make Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall fight to unify the titles. It’s an incentive that starts with “m” and ends with “y”. Not, not just money. More fights to add to his legacy. To that end, “Bones” would still choose Alex Pereira than relinquishing the 265-pound title or thinking of unification after UFC 309.
Jon Jones defended his heavyweight crown this Saturday by stopping Stipe Miocic atop the UFC 309 pay-per-view (PPV) card. He stopped Miocic by deliberately piecing him at range all though two rounds. He then finally put and end to it via a spinning heel kick and follow-up TKO (punches) – Round 3, at the mark of 4:29. Jones doubled down on wanting his next fight to be against UFC 205-pound roost-ruler Alex Pereira, not Aspinall.
I’m not really worried about the Tom fight. I’m worried about the Pereira fight, …That’s what I want to do. I think if the UFC wants to have me back, then I think that’s the fight they’ll make. I’ve been really clear about my intentions…I’ll retire the heavyweight belt if I have to. … Tom can have the heavyweight championship.
Jon Jones at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira has been dabbling in talks of a move up as well. The Brazilian mentioned it twice in post-fight intentions and call-ups just in 2024. To that end, he is even teasing a Pay-per-view (PPV) window champ vs. champ (IC) scrap with Tom Aspinall even. But Jones sees this as a bigger opportunity to stretch his legacy. He did offer a glimmer of hope against the Brit interim heavyweight, but it’s “heavy” on the pockets.
I just don’t like him, and at the end of the day, if I give him the opportunity to fight me, I want to be so compensated, …I want that fu*k you money. Honestly. That’s just what it is. That’s just what it is. My life is perfect without him.
Jon Jones further said
Traditionally, a title unification bout would be the first order of business in the division with an interim champion in place. But not for pound-for-pound hog and G.O.A.T. Jon Jones. Aspinall has tried, baited, moved on, teased, and tried again but to no avail. Even UFC CEO Dana White saying the winner of Jones vs. Miocic fights him hasn’t made a dent. Aspinall sees some positive tell-tale signs though.
Tom Aspinall reveals confidence in role in Jon Jones’ next UFC title fight
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall believes Jon Jones is next after a signal from UFC brass. No — actual signal. The Englishman was serving his limited capacity backup duties at UFC 309 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from New York City. So he was prime witness to Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) swiping out Miocic in his maiden defense.
UFC 309 main event backup fighter Tom Aspinall senses positive things vs. Jon Jones (Source: X/YT)As Aspinall says it (mental note: he’s 6′ 5″ with a ginormous reach), he was at arm’s length of the heavyweight action. He was that much close when Jones hoped on the mic with Joe Rogan and said that he’ll continue fighting. When all was said and done as his name was floating around, Aspinall said that he saw positive signals from White and Head litigator/CBO Hunter Campbell.
When Jon Jones was doing his speech, I was looking directly at the UFC brass, Dana and Hunter, …Both of them turned to me at the same time and pointed at me and winked. At the same time…So to me, that says there’s something big in the pipeline
Tom Aspinall on the ESPN post-fight show (@ESPNMMA)
UFC tabbed Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) as the official backup with the top bill headliners teasing double retirement. However, it did not come to be. Having been present throughout the week as a replacement fighter at the last moment, Aspinall leaves New York with a greater sense of confidence. That along with an insistent White could really lead to positive things.
