Dana White and the UFC brought in new gloves to fix many problems in the UFC like eye-pokes and hand injuries. However, the introduction of new design of gloves didn’t go over so well. Even champions like Jon Jones complained about the design being uneasy to work with. The last-minute switch came as a shock for fans but also gave ideas to theorist to draw up their own narratives.
The glove controversy has been making rounds the entire week, and finally reached Dana White. UFC’s head cleared the air and confirming Jon Jones played no part in this. Furthermore, he acknowledged community’s widespread complaints, which prompted him to make the move. It seems like old UFC gloves will be the main-stay once again, as White confirms their return.
We originally created these gloves to stop eye pokes, and we had good intentions with them. But they didn’t work out, people weren’t happy with them. So, I actually made the decision.
Dana White via UFC 309 Press Conference
Leading up to the presser, ‘Bones’ was at the forefront of the budding controversy and his role in it. The 37-year-old fighter repeated the same thoughts White expressed, but was met with skepticism. Finally, after this press-conference, ‘Bones’ can breathe a sigh of relief with controversy in the bin. Not only did White remove new gloves from this event, but they have permanently shelved.
Jones already expressed his concerns with the design of the gloves being too small and impossible to train in. This was not the only confirmation that the UFC boss gave. Moreover, White vocalized his thoughts about the undisputed heavyweight crown with Tom Aspinall waiting in the wings. He made it clear that the Englishman is next in line after UFC 309.
Dana White doesn’t like Jon Jones vs. Alex Periera idea over Tom Aspinall
Jon Jones named many top stars who could be his next opponent, but snubbed Aspinall again. Jones seemed charged up to face Alex Pereira as his next match-up and even wished to give up the heavyweight title for it. It has led the UFC boss to put a stamp on the rumors. He gave Jones no choice but to fight Aspinall next if he wins.
Speaking with Jim Rome in an interview, White answered questions about the state of heavyweight division. The UFC boss made it quite clear about Aspinall’s status being the next in line. He crossed out the idea of ‘Bones‘ facing anyone else in the event of him willing to take another fight.
If he wins, he will disappear for a while and then competitive spirit will start bubbling up again and then money will. If he doesn’t decide to retire, he absolutely, positively fights Aspinall. He’s not fighting Pereira… If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.
Dana White via Jim Rome Show
The UFC boss further listed down key reasons for not entertaining the idea of this match-up. He suggested the size difference and the glaring gap in wrestling acumen prevents him from booking Jones vs. ‘Poatan.’ As such, that superfight is out of the window with Aspinall remaining as the only choice for the champion’s next bout.
