Dana White is confident that the winner of the anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 will face interim champion Tom Aspinall next, despite potential retirement talks for both fighters.
Dana White seems to be channeling some serious positive vibes. He’s convinced that whoever snags the heavyweight title at UFC 309 will face interim champ Tom Aspinall next.
The Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic clash has been a long time coming. They were supposed to throw down in November 2023, but Jones’ torn pec put a pin in those plans. In his absence, Aspinall snagged the interim belt. Yet, White and the UFC are set on Jones facing Miocic—two legends going head-to-head.
There’s been chatter about retirement for both Jones and Miocic post-fight on Nov. 16. But White’s not buying it; he thinks the winner will give Aspinall his shot at unifying the titles.
“I truly believe that whoever wins this fight… they’re wired competitively,” White told TNT Sports. “These guys are legends; they won’t just ride off into the sunset without settling things with Tom Aspinall.”
Aspinall’s been gunning for Jones, who claimed the vacant heavyweight title with a swift submission of Ciryl Gane in March 2023. But Jones? Not impressed by Aspinall’s callouts—he’s laser-focused on Miocic, who holds the record for most successful title defenses at heavyweight.
Miocic is keeping mum about his future plans until after UFC 309. Meanwhile, Jones has dropped more than a few hints about retiring. Still, White believes both fighters respect the sport enough to give Aspinall his shot before hanging up their gloves.
“Think about it,” White said. “Jon Jones became the youngest champion in [UFC] history, and Stipe’s achievements speak volumes. They got their chances when young; I think they’ll pay it forward.”
Aspinall plans to be cageside, ready as a backup if needed. But whether Jones or Miocic would fight him on short notice? That’s anyone’s guess.
White knows a bout with Aspinall would be huge business for the UFC. He’s holding onto hope it’ll happen.
“People will lose their f*cking minds if either of those fights go down,” White said. “Stipe or Jon Jones against Tom Aspinall.”