Jon Anik emphasizes the importance of divisional meritocracy in the UFC heavyweight division, expressing concerns that the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight could complicate title unification, while acknowledging fans’ interest in seeing Jones face interim champion Tom Aspinall despite Jones’ focus on a potential fight with Alex Pereira.
Jon Anik really values divisional meritocracy, but the upcoming Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic heavyweight title fight might complicate things further. It’s a big deal, right? Jones and Miocic are headlining the UFC 309 pay-per-view card, with Jones defending his title for the first time since his octagon absence. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has been busy winning and defending the interim heavyweight title. Historically, that means he should be next in line to unify the titles.
Fans are eager to see Jones face Aspinall, but “Bones” seems uninterested. Instead, he’s eyeing a champ vs. champ showdown with light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira. What a twist! Anik shared his thoughts on this just days before the promotion’s return to Madison Square Garden.
“Well, certainly it stands to reason that Alex ‘Poatan’ may be the bigger money fight,” Anik told MMA Fighting. While it might not stir fan excitement as much as some hope, it’s still huge. Yet, true sports fans crave meritocracy. Leaving an interim champ like Aspinall hanging doesn’t sit well, especially given his skills across all mixed martial arts aspects.
But what about the financial side? What’s Jon Jones’ net worth compared to Stipe Miocic’s? If your financial advisor suggests retirement—yikes!—is fighting Aspinall or Alex worth risking it all? At $15 million a fight, is it worth jeopardizing an undefeated record? If Jones is worth $25-$30 million, there are other ways for him to make money beyond fighting.
From Dana White and Hunter Campbell’s perspective, they’d probably prefer a Jones-Aspinall matchup over bringing Alex “Poatan” into the mix. But Jon Jones is arguably the greatest mixed martial artist ever. If he wants to fight “Poatan,” you listen.
Anik will call the action alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier—who knows both headliners well from past battles. He gets why Miocic is seen as an underdog after nearly four years away from the octagon.
What if Miocic pulls off a surprise win at Madison Square Garden? It would shock many fans but could lead to him giving Aspinall a shot at defeating a legend. This is the fight game, after all; anything can happen.
Belal Muhammad’s life-threatening injury serves as a reminder of how unpredictable things can get. If Miocic wins against Jones, perhaps he’ll quickly defend his title against Aspinall to cash in one last time before retiring.
Yet without sitting down with these fighters personally, predicting their moves is tough. Stipe isn’t exactly forthcoming about future plans either, so who knows?
Aspinall’s shot at financial freedom for his family hangs in the balance—a tough world for fighters near the top waiting endlessly for opportunities.
No matter Saturday night’s outcome in New York City, we need this fight for clarity in the heavyweight division. Anik struggles to predict how both fighters will perform after long layoffs.
Jones has limited experience at heavyweight; Miocic last fought Ngannou at 38 and is now 42. Sitting down with Stipe reveals he’s done everything possible to prepare physically for this fight.
If they trade blows early on their feet, maybe Stipe lands some shots and surprises everyone despite betting odds. Two years ago when this fight was first announced—Stipe at +290 seemed crazy!
Stipe at 42 isn’t ideal for handicappers—but what kind of training camps have they had? Anik can’t wait for fighter meetings with these legends because November 16 needs results—it’s time for clarity!