Dana White reveals UFC’s plans for Jon Jones after Tom Aspinall’s stunning title win as MMA icon begins recovery
DANA WHITE insists the UFC won’t be deviating from their plans for Jon Jones – despite Tom Aspinall’s stunning win at Madison Square Garden.
The Wigan warrior claimed the interim heavyweight title with a 69-second KO of Sergei Pavlovich at Madison Square Garden last weekend in the main event of UFC 295.
GETTYJon Jones was supposed to fight Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 before tearing his right pec[/caption]
GETTYJones’ loss was Brit Tom Aspinall’s gain as he fought and claimed the interim heavyweight title against Sergei Pavlovich[/caption]
GETTYUFC boss Dana White insists the pair won’t meet in a unification bout next[/caption]
Aspinall’s shot at UFC glory was the result of undisputed champion Jones tearing his pec just weeks before his showdown with former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
MMA fans around the world are desperate for the UFC to change the course of the division by booking a unification bout between Jones and Aspinall.
White, however, insists that won’t be happening, saying: “You do [Jones vs. Miocic].
“Those two both deserve that fight, that’s the fight they want.”
Former pound-for-pound king Jones, 36, tore his right pec in one of his final training sessions ahead of the MSG melee with Miocic.
And much to the delight of White, he’s wasted little time in beginning his road to recovery.
He said: “What I love is that Jon Jones, as soon as he heard he was injured and knew how bad it was, he went right to LA and got the surgery and he’s already in rehab.
“Physical therapy, I should say. Physical therapy.”
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GETTYDana White insists Stipe Miocic deserves a chance at becoming a three-time heavyweight champion[/caption]
Aspinall, 30, has long dreamed about facing Hall-of-Famer Jones, who he pleaded to stick around for one more fight just hours after becoming Britain’s third UFC champion.
He said: “Just give me the opportunity, Jon. Let me do it. Give me my dream fight.
“Why not? I’ve just achieved my dream now. Give me my dream fight.
“Let me fight for my legacy now please.”
Former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion Jones was seemingly intrigued by the prospect of delaying retirement and fighting the Brit after seeing his demolition of Pavlovich.
He wrote on X: ““Tom congratulations on the interim heavyweight championship belt.
“That was an awesome performance!”
GETTYTom Aspinall believes he’s done enough to entice Jon Jones to stick around[/caption]
