Jon Jones is set to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. However, discussions about Jones’ future fights have taken center stage. There is speculation about potential matchups against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for a BMF title or against Tom Aspinall.
Ahead of UFC 309, Jones stirred controversy by calling the interim heavyweight champion an “a**hole” and expressing disinterest in working with someone who engages in social media banter.
In a recent interview on The Jim Rome Show, UFC CEO Dana White addressed Jones’ comments and his future in the sport.
“I think Jon will eventually come back and fight Tom Aspinall. But, if he decides Saturday night, ‘That’s it, it’s over,’ it’s his right to make that decision. For anybody to say he’s ducking anybody… Jon Jones is 37, 38 years old, fought everybody, all the best in the world in their prime, and has been doing it since he was 23 years old. He doesn’t duck.”
White added, “If he wins, he’ll disappear for a while, and that competitive spirit will start bubbling up again. If he doesn’t decide to retire, he will absolutely, positively fight Tom Aspinall. He’s not fighting [Alex] Pereira. If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.”
