Tom Aspinall has finally made peace with the fact that Jon Jones will not fight him later this year. Dana White recently made the official announcement of Jones vs. Stipe Miocic heavyweight title clash at UFC 309. While disappointing for the interim champion, Aspinall’s spirits were high. It was clearly visible in his latest jibe towards the heavyweight champion.
Dana White has long held the opinion that Jon Jones is the ‘baddest man in the history of combat sports.’ White frequently uses the scenario that says Jones will leave a room first filled with the most dangerous fighters after beating them all. Aspinall was asked humorously if he had ever been in a room with Jones and White in a recent video. The British answered with something quite NSFW.
Depends what’s going on in there. What are they up to, Dana and Jon? Because I might leave if them two are up to something.
Tom Aspinall via his YouTube channel
Aspinall’s cheeky comments were a reference to the running joke in the MMA community regarding Jones and White’s relationship. Over the last few months, the CEO pushed the narrative that Jones is the pound-for-pound number one over others. This repeated glazing has resulted in fight fans brutally roasting White for overhyping.
Tom Aspinall was asked who would leave the room first if him, Dana White and Jon Jones were in a room together.
His answer: “Depends what’s going on in there. What are they up to, Dana and Jon? Because I might leave if them two are up to something.” 😭😭😭
🎥 YT / @AspinallMMA… pic.twitter.com/mjzHQd92No
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 19, 2024
Tom Aspinall made a lot of effort to secure his shot at the title unification with Jon Jones, ranging from strong performances to repeated provocations. Though he only managed to secure the back fighter spot, the Brit intended to take Stipe Miocic’s place at the November event. Jones might announce his retirement following UFC 309; therefore, Aspinall might not even be able to get that fight.
Will Jon Jones retire after UFC 309?
The Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight announcement was made last weekend at the iconic Noche UFC at the Las Vegas Sphere. Jones attended the event and had a great time catching up with fighters such as Alex Pereira, Ryan Garcia, etc. Jones also gave an interview where he mentioned that the November fight might be his last outing to the UFC octagon.
Jon Jones (via X)Jones is arguably the GOAT of MMA and has the most decorated resume in the promotion’s history. His retirement news definitely spread like fire, catching a lot of attention.
UFC veteran Jones’ former rival Chael Sonnen talked about this on his YouTube channel and gave a contrary perspective.
I’m watching this, oh, Jon has grabbed onto that retirement idea. He did not mean it. It was completely insincere. It wasn’t even his idea. Somebody else said it, he heard it, thought it might be good to go with. And a couple of different reasons guys that are not going to retire say that they’re going to retire.
Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel
Sonnen believes it was a marketing strategy to pull more viewers to the upcoming UFC 309. UFC has been on a great run this year regarding pay-per-view success and would like to continue the momentum. On top of it, Jones’ potential retirement from the sport has added another layer of excitement.
