After months of speculation and anticipation, Dana White finally shared some optimistic news about the much-discussed Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall matchup.
The heavyweight division has been in a holding pattern ever since Jon ‘Bones’ Jones claimed the title, and it’s been over two years now. With just one title defense against Stipe Miocic since then, Jones appears to be strategically sidestepping a clash with the top contender, Tom Aspinall.
Recently, encouraging tidbits have surfaced, hinting that the fight is gaining traction, and Dana White’s latest update only adds fuel to the fire.
“Listen, Jon Jones definitely wants to fight,” said White. “It’s just a matter of when and where, and that’s what we are figuring out now.”
Tom Aspinall has expressed that it’s Jones’ team causing the delay. While he feels the bout should already have been set, White remains unfazed.
“I’m very confident that fight happens,” White assured. “[In the summer], yeah.”
Whispers around the UFC suggest that this could mark the biggest payday of Jones’ career, and perhaps his swan song in the octagon.
A staggering $30 million purse might be on the table to lock in what could be the biggest showdown in UFC heavyweight history. With one of the most formidable forces in the division pitted against perhaps the greatest champion of all time, it’s easy to see why Dana White would pursue this eagerly.
In conjunction with Aspinall, Alex Pereira was another name tossed into the mix for a potential bout with Jones. However, White wasn’t too keen on this matchup.
“You’re asking a guy to move up two weight classes to heavyweight and face the greatest of all time… There are still formidable opponents left to challenge in the light heavyweight division,” White pointed out.
“I believe in moving up only after you’ve cleaned out a division, and this one isn’t cleaned out yet.”
Following Pereira’s recent defeat to Magomed Ankalaev, the idea of Jones facing Pereira has been shelved.
Take a look at Dana White’s full thoughts below for more insights.
