Getting into the thick of things with Jon Jones remains a difficult experience inside the octagon. Not only does he excel as a striker, but his acumen as a wrestler is bar none. The great Stipe Miocic found it the hard way and suffered a TKO loss at the hands of Jones. Dana White has given Jones the option of only Tom Aspinall for his next fight. However, ‘Bones’ only wants Alex Pereira.
The Brazilian superstar also wants to face Jones but Dana White does not want to book the matchup. Speaking in the post fight presser for UFC 309, White shared his thoughts on it after Jones put on his career’s best performance. One look at Miocic in the first round on the ground suffering heavy strikes played a part in White’s decision-making.
No, you know what tonight told me? There is not f***ing way I make that Pereira fight. Jon’s too big, a great wrestler, see how he took Stipe down in the first round. I like Alex Pereira; I like him personally. It just doesn’t make sense to make that fight.
Dana White via Post Presser for UFC 309
Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier couldn’t impose his will on Stipe Miocic during their trilogy bout. However, the experienced Miocic could not even get back to his feet when taken down by Jones. Pereira has struggled in the wrestling department against unproven wrestlers like Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz. The UFC heavyweight champion is on another level in terms of wrestling.
‘Bones’ has teased retirement talk numerous times, leading up to his clash with Miocic. The 37-year-old mixed martial artist seemed okay with walking away but laid one condition to fight Aspinall. It involves a massive cheque that he simply cannot turn away from.
Dana White said there’s “no f*cking way” he’ll let Alex Pereira fight Jon Jones after tonight 😬 pic.twitter.com/zGkrYms3Hl
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) November 17, 2024
Jones seemed to be quite certain about his career and it involves taking fun fights like his teammate Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. He even shockingly claimed to drop the heavyweight title to chase super fights. However, that will likely not happen as the UFC boss will only entertain Jones vs. Aspinall. It is something that the fans and analysts want to see.
Dana White wants to see Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall next to UFC 309
Leading up to the UFC 309, White sat down with Jim Rome for an interview. Speaking with the host, White touched upon the future of heavyweight division after UFC 309. White assured that the current disputed title in the heavyweights will be settled next without a doubt. He gave Jones only two options, either call it a career or fight Aspinall next.
Dana White offers only one choice to Jon jones (Image via Open Source)White seemed to be quite confident to have the unification turn up next. Jones and White seemed to have been making polar opposite statements. Nevertheless, being the UFC boss, White carries major power on what happens next. He touched up on this and indicated what will likely happen next.
Jon, when he was 23 years old, he became the youngest UFC champion ever. Somebody gave him the opportunity for greatness. And I think Jon will eventually comeback and face Tom Aspinall, but if he decides Saturday night, that’s it, it’s over. It’s his right to make that decision.
Dana White via Jim Rome Interview
“If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.”@danawhite on if Jon Jones is ducking Tom Aspinall. pic.twitter.com/hk9AVGY3G1
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) November 14, 2024
With the UFC 309 bout settled, Aspinall revealed how the UFC brass assured him of the title fight next. This could turn out to be one of the greatest heavyweight fights in the history of the sport. The budding controversy around the title and ducking accusation against Jones will only continue if he keeps on avoiding the British champion.
