Dana White and Jon Jones are at odds when it comes to whether Tom Aspinall will be Jones’ next opponent after UFC 309.
Jon Jones Dismisses Tom Aspinall
Jones, who is defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic on November 16 at Madison Square Garden, has made it clear that he’s not interested in facing Aspinall anytime soon. White, however, believes the winner of UFC 309 will likely square off against the interim heavyweight champion next.
The two were initially set to fight at UFC 295 last November, but Jones had to withdraw due to a torn pectoral muscle. Aspinall stepped in and knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim heavyweight belt. Since then, Aspinall has been vocal about wanting a unification bout with Jones. But Jones has been dismissing the idea, arguing that Aspinall hasn’t earned the shot.
Dana White Expects Aspinall to Challenge for Title
Jones told MMA reporter Kevin Iole, “Tom Aspinall just hasn’t proven anything. He won the interim title against Sergei, but Sergei just got destroyed by someone else. I’m not here to let someone else make a name off me.” Jones emphasized that he’s only interested in fights with high-profile opponents who can elevate his legacy. Right now, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira stands out as the more compelling matchup for him.
“If there were a fight that would be financially and legacy-wise worth it, it would be Alex Pereira. We’re both 37, and I think that fight would add more to my legacy than a younger guy who’s trending today but could be gone tomorrow.”
While White remains confident the UFC’s future heavyweight plans will involve Aspinall, Jones isn’t convinced that the Brit is ready to challenge him just yet. The drama continues as UFC 309 draws near, and fight fans eagerly await the fallout from the event.
