UFC president Dana White has confirmed that UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones is now open to combating interim titleholder Tom Aspinall, a major step towards one of the vital extremely anticipated matchups of the 12 months.
Jones, who defeated Stipe Miocic final November, had beforehand resisted calls to face Aspinall, insisting he was solely thinking about legacy bouts. Nevertheless, White revealed on the UFC 313 post-fight press convention that the longtime champion is prepared to enter negotiations for a title unification struggle.
“Jon Jones undoubtedly needs the struggle,” White mentioned. “Now we’re engaged on when and the place.”
Aspinall has emerged as one of the vital dominant heavyweights in recent times, profitable all however one in every of his UFC fights inside the primary spherical. In November 2023, he stepped in on two weeks’ discover to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, knocking out the Russian in simply 69 seconds to say the interim title.
He later defended the belt in opposition to Curtis Blaydes, securing his place because the division’s high contender.
Regardless of his speedy rise, Jones had beforehand dismissed a struggle with the British star. Nevertheless, White prompt that negotiations are actually progressing. “Tom Aspinall is an absolute savage,” White mentioned. “He’s harmful, and he’s acquired individuals excited in regards to the heavyweight division. That’s why this struggle is smart.”
Jones, broadly considered one of many best blended martial artists in historical past, returned from a three-year hiatus in 2023 to say the heavyweight title in opposition to Ciryl Gane. Whereas he has remained undefeated since first profitable UFC gold in 2011, many consider Aspinall represents his hardest problem but.
The Brit has repeatedly referred to as for a struggle with Jones, remaining respectful however assured in his capacity to win. “Whats up Jon, I’ve nothing in opposition to you personally, however I simply suppose I’m higher than you,” Aspinall mentioned after UFC 304. “I do know I can beat you in a struggle.”
Whereas no official date or venue has been confirmed, White’s newest replace means that talks are progressing. With each fighters now seemingly on board, followers await additional developments because the UFC appears to ebook one of many greatest heavyweight fights in current historical past.