Jon Jones, after successfully defending his UFC heavyweight title, is open to fighting Tom Aspinall only for a significant price, preferring instead a superfight with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, while expressing willingness to retire if his desired matchups are not realized.
Jon Jones might take on Tom Aspinall. But it’ll cost you.
The UFC heavyweight champ just bagged his first title defense at UFC 309, taking down Stipe Miocic with a third-round knockout. This performance cements Jones as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters globally, opening up a world of possibilities for his next bout.
Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champ, seems like an obvious pick. Yet, Jones isn’t keen on fighting him and has often dismissed the idea. During fight week, he even called Aspinall “an asshole,” stating that’s why he won’t engage with him.
At the UFC 309 post-fight press conference, Jones was asked to clarify his feelings.
“He’s annoying to me,” Jones shared. “He’s annoying to me and that’s my own personal—he annoys me. Sure, you guys find it entertaining, but I find him annoying. Don’t like him. If I do fight him, it’s gotta be for serious cash—I’m talking ‘f*ck you’ money.”
“Otherwise, life’s good without him. I don’t need him; he needs me. That’s a nice spot in negotiations.”
Jones didn’t specify how much it would take to face Aspinall but hinted it’s “a very, very high number.”
After another stellar victory, Jones feels he’s steering his career now. He’d rather face Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champ. However, UFC CEO Dana White wants Jones to fight Aspinall first.
Jones is adamant about wanting a superfight with Pereira instead.
“I’m not really worried about the Tom fight,” said Jones. “I’m focused on Pereira. That’s my goal. If UFC wants me back, they’ll make that happen. I’ve made my intentions clear.”
“Anyone would get it by now. I’ll retire the heavyweight belt if needed. Give me what I want. Not talking directly to Dana here. I want superfights, not rising threats. Dangerous champs are my focus now. Tom can have the heavyweight title; doesn’t matter to me. My worth isn’t in belts anymore; it’s bigger than that. I want Pereira.”
Pereira had an incredible year in MMA, defending his light heavyweight title with three epic knockouts and becoming the UFC’s go-to headliner on short notice. “Poatan” also expressed interest in fighting Jones.
If things don’t go Jones’ way? He’s ready to walk away.
“Styles make matchups,” said Jones. “Pereira’s knocked out many heavyweights before; his power transcends weight classes. He’s special and worth fighting for me. Call me ‘a duck’ or ‘a chicken,’ I’ll just cash a massive check and laugh it off.”
“That’s what I want and if it doesn’t happen, then I’ll share my love for Jesus tonight and express pride in being an American champion in front of [President Elect Donald Trump]. If that was my last fight ever? Cool with that—it was a perfect note to end on… Negotiating well means being ready to walk away from deals; that’s my stance. If fans disagree? Well then, ‘Sayonara.’”