UFC superstar Jon Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title against arguably the greatest heavyweight champion the organization has ever seen, Stipe Miocic. Though both fighters could theoretically retire after a loss or win on Saturday, Jones has a far more wild idea.
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Jones has been doing media and discussing what his plans are following the fight, and he revealed that a big win would lead to him vacating the heavyweight title.
Jones told Sportsnet, “I can see myself, after, entertaining super fights only. … If we get a dominant performance, I’m prepared to vacate the heavyweight championship and fight for fun.”
Many fans and pundits have pointed to the idea that Jones winning would mean he would then fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall for the unifying belt, which Jones has adamantly stated he has no interest in.
Jon Jones spends nearly 4 minutes explaining why he wants Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall and why he’s not obligated to give Aspinall a shot in the same way “Shogun” Rua did for him. pic.twitter.com/GyoTAWOLRn
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 13, 2024
During UFC media day, Jones went on a long tangent about why he will fight for fun over facing Aspinall. Jones has stated that legacy is all that matters to him post-Miocic, and he also details why he would love to fight UFC phenom and current light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira
“Maybe I didn’t phrase it right. The truth is he [Aspinall] does deserve many great things in his life. I wish him to have a magnificent UFC career. I really do. I have nothing personal against Tom … It’s not about what Tom deserves or don’t deserve, I believe it’s what I do deserve.”
“After this many years with this company and all the work that I put in, I believe I am at a place where I deserve to be able to say, ‘I don’t want to fight this guy’ … That’s why I am more than willing to relinquish the belt. I don’t feel I need the heavyweight championship of the world. I feel like what I created for myself is more bigger than belts.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 04: Jon Jones looks on during the UFC heavyweight championship fight against Ciryl Gane of France during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023 in Las… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 04: Jon Jones looks on during the UFC heavyweight championship fight against Ciryl Gane of France during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC star Jon Jones plans to relinquish the heavyweight belt, even if he wins.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Jones is alluding to taking on bigger challenges and legacy fights like Pereira, instead of facing Aspinall, who is likely the next in line to be the heavyweight champion in the UFC. Honestly, Jones choosing to fight period is going to be huge for the organization.
Jones also stated that Aspinall has not yet won the number of titles that he has, or even that Pereira has, which makes the current light heavyweight champion more of a draw, especially for legacy purposes.
Jones and Pereira have held championship belts in two different weight classes, and Jones has pitched the pair fighting one another for the BMF title. That would technically be a third title for both of them.
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It is technically true considering the BMF title currently belongs to Max Holloway. If he gives up that title for the UFC to book another one, Jones vs. Pereira would be huge. For now, Jones will need to take down Miocic on Saturday for this plan to be put in motion.
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