UFC CEO Dana White insists that if Jon Jones fights again after facing Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, his only option is a matchup with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, despite Jones’ reluctance and preference for a fight against Alex Pereira.
If Jon Jones plans to step back into the octagon after his UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic, there’s only one path forward—facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. That’s straight from the mouth of UFC CEO Dana White. He’s been quick to shut down any talk of Jones squaring off against UFC light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. Why? Well, Jones has been quite vocal, labeling Aspinall as “such an assh*le” that he’s reluctant to even consider it.
Dana White, chatting with Jim Rome, made it crystal clear: “He’s not fighting Pereira.” He elaborated that Pereira, a former middleweight who moved up to light heavyweight, doesn’t match up to Jones’ wrestling prowess. Plus, Jones has a size advantage. So if Jones is itching for another fight post-Saturday, it’s gotta be Aspinall.
This news is music to Aspinall’s ears. He’s in New York right now, ready to jump in as backup for the Jones-Miocic showdown. Aspinall snagged the interim heavyweight title nearly a year ago when Jones had to hit pause due to a torn pectoral muscle. In the interim, he defended his belt with a jaw-dropping knockout against Curtis Blaydes in July.
Aspinall’s been vocal about wanting to face Jones, claiming Miocic’s title as the “most disputed” in the UFC. Yet, every time he speaks up, Jones seems more resolved not to engage. But White insists that’s the only matchup on the table.
“Jon’s weird,” White mused about Jones’ approach. He shows up ready for battle but tends to vanish afterward until he’s ready for another challenge. And Aspinall is waiting in the wings. Even though Jones argues Aspinall doesn’t deserve it, White recalls how young Jon was given a shot at greatness and believes he’ll eventually face Aspinall.
Of course, if Saturday night marks the end for Jones, so be it. His legacy is untouchable; no one’s accomplished what he has in MMA history. So we wait and see.
White is firm—it’s either Aspinall or retirement for Jones—but dismisses any notion that Jones is ducking anyone. That rumor’s been swirling as fight night approaches, but White’s adamant it’s false.
“Jon’s fought everyone,” White stated. At 37 or 38 years old, he’s battled all the best since he was 23 and remains undefeated—a feat unmatched in 16 years.
Even if Jones won’t acknowledge Aspinall now, White isn’t shutting that door forever. Should Jones win on Saturday, he might take some downtime before deciding his next move. If he chooses another fight? White bets on it being Aspinall.
“That is classic Jon Jones,” White remarked. He’ll do his thing on Saturday and then vanish until that competitive itch returns—and money talks. If not retiring, he’ll face Aspinall without a doubt.