Jon Jones recently defended his Heavyweight title at UFC 309, defeating Stipe Miocic with a stunning spinning back kick. Following the fight, Jones expressed his desire to face Alex Pereira instead of Tom Aspinall, raising questions about the future of the anticipated matchup between him and Aspinall.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Jones successfully defended his Heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
- Jones expressed a strong preference for fighting Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall.
- UFC CEO Dana White is willing to compensate Jones for a potential fight against Aspinall.
- Aspinall was paid $200,000 to be a backup for the UFC 309 main event.
Jon Jones’ Title Defense
In a thrilling main event at Madison Square Garden, Jon Jones showcased his striking prowess, stopping Stipe Miocic in the second round. This victory marked Jones’ first defense of the Heavyweight title, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
After the fight, Jones made headlines not just for his performance but for his comments regarding future opponents. He stated, "I’m not really worried about the Tom fight — I’m worried about the Pereira fight. That’s what I want to do." This declaration has left fans and analysts speculating about the future of the Heavyweight division.
The Aspinall Dilemma
Despite the excitement surrounding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall, Jones made it clear that he is not interested unless the financial terms are right. He referred to his desired compensation as "f—k you money," indicating that he wants to be paid significantly for the fight.
Jones elaborated, saying, "If I give him the opportunity to fight me, I want to be so compensated. Or else, my life is perfect without him. I don’t need him at all, but he needs me, and that’s a good place to be in a negotiation."
Dana White’s Stance
UFC CEO Dana White has expressed his willingness to ensure that Jones is compensated fairly for a potential fight against Aspinall. White stated, "He will be!" during the post-fight press conference, emphasizing the importance of making this fight happen.
However, White also acknowledged the challenges in booking such a high-profile matchup, noting, "It’ll probably be the biggest fight we’ve ever done." He hinted at the possibility of a stadium show but expressed a preference for arenas due to the better atmosphere they provide.
Aspinall’s Backup Role
Tom Aspinall, who was on standby for the UFC 309 main event, received a hefty payment of $200,000 for his role. This amount reflects the UFC’s commitment to keeping him ready in case of any last-minute changes. Aspinall’s presence at the event and his readiness to step in showcased his importance in the Heavyweight division.
Conclusion
As the dust settles from UFC 309, the future of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall remains uncertain. While both fighters have expressed interest in a matchup, the financial negotiations and Jones’ preference for a fight with Alex Pereira complicate matters. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this situation unfolds in the coming months.
Sources
- Psych! Jon Jones Wants ‘F—k You Money’ To Fight Tom Aspinall, Still Only Wants Alex Pereira | UFC 309 – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- Dana White Ensures Jon Jones ‘Will Be Well Compensated’ For ‘Biggest Fight Of All Time’ Against Tom Aspinall – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- Six figure standby! How much UFC paid Tom Aspinall to be UFC 309 backup – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- ‘There’s no f—ing way’ Dana White books Jon Jones against Alex Pereira – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
