MMA News

Tag: Jon Jones

  • UFC Champion on Jon Jones: “Maybe It’s Time to Say Goodbye and Retire – Tom Aspinall Deserves This Fight”

    UFC Champion on Jon Jones: “Maybe It’s Time to Say Goodbye and Retire – Tom Aspinall Deserves This Fight”

    One of the more active UFC champions in the present-day seems to have think it’s time for the inactivity of Jon Jones to be addressed in some way. During a recent interview with Stake, Alexandre Pantoja covered several subjects including one of the more ubiquitous topics in the world of mixed martial arts today which centers on the Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall situation.

    When asked how long it should be for a UFC champion between title defenses before talks of stripping them emerge in the context of the controversy within the heavyweight division presently, Pantoja said,

    “I think maybe six months. Six months to have something scheduled. Let’s put 10 months from fight to fight, and why not? Jon Jones is a very special fighter, everybody loves him, but what is happening now is sad.  Maybe it’s time to say bye. Tom Aspinall deserves this fight, we deserve to see this fight. It’s not right that Aspinall is standing by.”

    “Nobody is going to judge Jon Jones, he doesn’t need to fight Aspinall, but if he doesn’t want to fight and he wants to retire, then I think he has to say bye. I hope Aspinall is still training and in the gym and he doesn’t waste his time. Jon is enjoying his life, and he deserves it.”

    Joe Rogan Retracts Claim Of Jon Jones' Pay Demand For Tom Aspinall Fight
    Image: UFC.com

    Jon Jones and Alexandre Pantoja’s championship journeys: compared and contrasted

    Jon Jones and Alexandre Pantoja both won their respective straps in the same calendar year but the stories of their respective reigns have unfurled quite differently. Jones actually won his belt a bit sooner when he claimed the vacant heavyweight crown over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023 while Pantoja won the flyweight belt at UFC 290 against Brandon Moreno in July of that year.

    While it’s fair to mention the pectoral injury that took Jones out of the game for a period circa late 2023-early 2024, ‘Bones’ has only been able to notch a single defense of his crown which came against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November. Conversely, Pantoja is poised to potentially make his fourth title defense against Kai Kara-France at month’s end in their UFC 317 championship clash on June 28th.

    The prior flyweight championship defenses for the Brazilian mixed martial artist saw Alexandre Pantoja notch successful defenses over Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, and Kai Asakura.

  • Francis Ngannou’s Trainer: ‘Absolutely’ Open to UFC Partnership for Jon Jones Superfight

    Francis Ngannou’s Trainer: ‘Absolutely’ Open to UFC Partnership for Jon Jones Superfight

    Francis Ngannou‘s trainer Dewey Cooper has said that ‘The Predator’ would absolutely be open to the idea of a superfight against Jon Jones.

    For the longest time now, Francis Ngannou has been seen as one of the best heavyweights in mixed martial arts – and the same is true for Jon Jones. At one point, it seemed inevitable that the two would collide in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Unfortunately for everyone involved, that never quite came to fruition. Instead, Jones defeated Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic, whereas Francis made his way over to PFL.

    Now, they find themselves in two different promotions, with Francis Ngannou making it known that he would be happy to cross-promote with PFL and UFC in order to get this fight over the finish line. Jones, meanwhile, has also hinted at the same thing during a recent series of tweets.

    During a recent interview with Slingo Online Slots, the aforementioned Dewey Cooper had his say on the proposed showdown.

    Dewey Cooper’s view on Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones

    “Francis Ngannou versus Jon Jones, that’s the MMA fight that the world wants to see. That’s the Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight that the world wants to see in mixed martial arts. “I truly feel if you asked me if he’s willing to go to the table with a co-promotion, absolutely he would, because he wants that fight with Jon Jones as bad as anyone wants it. 

    “I’m sure he’s willing to negotiate some kind of partnership to do it. And if the business truly made sense, I think even if Dana would too – if it really made good business. “I don’t think Dana would be pig-headed to say no, but it has to be done a certain way, or there’s no way it could happen.”

  • Dana White Gives Big (and Negative) Update: ‘If Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Can’t Happen, We’ll Move On Fast’

    Dana White Gives Big (and Negative) Update: ‘If Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Can’t Happen, We’ll Move On Fast’

    UFC president Dana White has provided a fresh update on the possible title unification fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

    As we know, Dana White has been trying to get Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall booked for a long time now. It’s a fight that makes sense with both Jones and Aspinall holding gold in the heavyweight division, but for whatever reason, it just doesn’t seem like ‘Bones’ is particularly interested in throwing down with Aspinall – unless it’s for a whole lot of money.

    For Dana White, we can only imagine how much frustration this is causing him. He always wants to put on the biggest and best fights imaginable and after failing to get Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou over the line, it’d be a real shame if the same thing happens with a fight that’s arguably just as big.

    In a recent interview, Dana White spoke candidly about when fans can expect to hear an announcement regarding what’s happening.

    Dana White provides Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall update

    “Jon Jones has never turned down an opponent here before, or been afraid to fight anybody.”

    “I don’t know, we’ll see how this thing plays out over the next couple of weeks. Yeah, if we can’t get this fight done, we’ll move on quickly.”

    “We’ll have the answers in the next couple of weeks.”

    While White can hope and pray that this fight is going to happen, his tone has certainly changed in the last couple of weeks. Hopefully, we get a surprise announcement confirming the fight sooner rather than later.

  • Jon Jones Will Go Down as ‘The Greatest Cheat of All Time’, Says Mark Hunt

    Jon Jones Will Go Down as ‘The Greatest Cheat of All Time’, Says Mark Hunt

    Former UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt is of the belief that Jon Jones will go down in history as the greatest cheat in mixed martial arts.

    As we know, Jon Jones is a pretty divisive figure. He has been involved in many controversies over the years and through all of that, he has earned a reputation for being a bit of a difficult fighter to deal with. Right now, he’s embroiled in a stalemate regarding a potential unification title fight against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

    For whatever reason, the fight isn’t getting made, and a whole lot of people are blaming Jon Jones. That’s without mentioning some of the doping accusations that he’s face, in addition to multiple suspensions and even arrests.

    In a recent interview with Thunderpick, Mark Hunt had the following to say about Jon Jones.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5J11NgHUg

    Mark Hunt’s view on Jon Jones

    “Jon Jones is the greatest cheat of all time, that’s all he is and that’s how he got to the top end. That’s how he got to hang out with guys like me, he’s a cheating little rat.

    “That’s all he’ll ever be. You can’t be the greatest fighter in the world when you’re sticking needles in your ass and hiding under the octagon from USADA. How are you supposed to be the greatest fighter?

    “UFC have put these cheaters and these shortcut takers in the Hall of Fame. The way I see it, any guy that’s been caught doping or cheating – there goes everything you’ve earned. Your world titles mean nothing, you’ve been caught as a shortcut taker, that’s all you are.“

    Quotes via Thunderpick

  • Dana White Says Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is ‘Done’ – But Should We Believe It This Time?

    Dana White Says Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is ‘Done’ – But Should We Believe It This Time?

    Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is basically a done deal according to UFC leader Dana White. After months of swirling rumors, social media sniping, and enough speculation to fill a heavyweight octagon, UFC CEO Dana White has finally tried to put the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga to bed.

    Dana White Drops the Mic on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Rumors

    Speaking at the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White delivered a line that should, in theory, end the guessing game: “Jon Jones agreed to fight Tom. He was offered the deal and accepted the deal. Unless you hear it come from here or we put out a press release, don’t believe any of the rumors.”

    It’s the kind of statement that sounds definitive, but if you’ve followed this heavyweight drama, you know nothing is ever that simple. For over a year, Aspinall has been stuck in interim champion limbo, defending his belt and fielding questions about Jones’ whereabouts. Meanwhile, Jon Jones has been busy on social media, sometimes teasing retirement, sometimes hinting at a “legacy” fight with Francis Ngannou, and occasionally lobbing a jab or two at Aspinall for good measure.

    Dana White’s latest declaration is meant to cut through the noise, but the UFC boss himself admits that until the contracts are signed and the walkouts are scheduled, anything can happen. “Unless you hear it come from here…” is classic Dana White – reminding everyone that, in the UFC, the only thing more unpredictable than a heavyweight punch is the matchmaking process itself.

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down
    Image: @tomaspinallofficial/Instagram

    Tom Aspinall, for his part, has already started looking ahead, making it clear he’s not waiting around for Jones to make up his mind. He’s ready to fight twice this year, with or without the so-called “GOAT” in the opposite corner. Fans, meanwhile, have taken matters into their own hands, launching petitions to strip Jones of his title and demanding the division move forward.

    So is it a done deal? If you believe Dana White, yes – at least until the next plot twist. Stay tuned, just don’t believe the rumors unless they come with an official UFC stamp.

    Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut
    Image: UFC.com

  • Francis Ngannou Fires Back After Jon Jones Reignites Superfight Talks

    Francis Ngannou Fires Back After Jon Jones Reignites Superfight Talks

    Francis Ngannou is calling on Jon Jones to finally settle the long-standing debate over who truly wears the crown as the undisputed baddest man in heavyweight MMA.

    The two heavyweight titans have long been linked to a potential showdown that many believe could have been one of the biggest fights in UFC history, ever since Jones moved up to heavyweight and Ngannou held the divisional title.

    Despite numerous efforts from both camps, the highly anticipated superfight never took shape. Frustrated by how he was treated during his reign as UFC heavyweight champion, “The Predator” chose to vacate his belt and sign with the PFL, sidelining the prospects of the the potential bout.

    However, Ngannou’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, recently expressed confidence that the Cameroonian powerhouse would “100 percent” consider a return to the UFC—especially to revitalize a division hampered by the inactivity of reigning champion Jon Jones and the sidelining of interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.

    Image: PFL MMA/YouTube.

    On Friday, “Bones” responded to Nicksick’s remarks on X, expressing his interest in fighting Ngannou if the stars align. He revealed that a potential bout with Ngannou would reignite his competitive fire, unlike a title unification fight against Aspinall.

    “I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That’s the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view,” Jon Jones wrote on X.

    Francis Ngannou Responds To Jon Jones Eager To Settle Heavyweight Rivalry

    On Saturday, Francis Ngannou took to X to respond to Jon Jones’ call for a potential showdown, urging “Bones” to secure the green light from the UFC while he focuses on his own commitments in the PFL. “The Predator” emphasized that their long-awaited clash would definitively determine who stands as the unquestioned heavyweight champion of the sport.

    “You take care of the UFC, I’ll take care of the PFL, and we’ll finally find out who’s the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT,” Ngannou wrote on X.

    One of the key reasons the Jones vs. Ngannou showdown remained unrealized was UFC CEO Dana White’s claim that “Bones” demanded an astronomical payday to make the fight happen. White has also made it abundantly clear time and again that he has no interest in working with Ngannou again.

    However, several voices within the MMA community have long championed the idea of a cross-promotional collaboration between the UFC and PFL to finally bring this dream matchup to life. Yet, the chances remain slim, as White has consistently opposed such partnerships.

    Image: @francisngannou/Instagram
  • “Not My Fault!”: Jon Jones Shrugs Off Responsibility in Tom Aspinall Heavyweight Drama “Nothing to do with me”

    “Not My Fault!”: Jon Jones Shrugs Off Responsibility in Tom Aspinall Heavyweight Drama “Nothing to do with me”

    The Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight saga has become the UFC’s longest-running “will they, won’t they” drama, and Jon Jones is doing his best to make sure nobody blames him for the mess. In a series of recent social media posts, Jones has sidestepped any responsibility for the fight falling through, instead pointing fingers at the UFC, the division, and, of course, everyone but himself.

    Jones Plays the Blame Game While UFC Heavyweight Division Hits Pause

    Let’s recap: Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champ, has been waiting for his shot at Jon Jones since knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in late 2023. Jones, meanwhile, spent a year on the sidelines with injury, returned to beat Stipe Miocic, and then promptly vanished from the conversation about unifying the belts. While fans and UFC brass have pushed for a Jones-Aspinall showdown, Jones has been busy filming reality TV, collecting presidential memorabilia, and, apparently, counting the money he claims to make by “doing nothing at all… and holding the position.”

    Over 76,000 Fans Sign Petition For UFC To Strip Jon Jones of Heavyweight Title
    Image: @UFCEspanol/X

    On social media, Jon Jones has been quick to downplay Aspinall’s threat. In one tweet, he wrote, “He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty. My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest.” He’s also taken shots at Aspinall’s record, claiming, “I’ve seen Tom get tapped out twice now by two different people. Time will show. Here today gone tomorrow.”

    Jon Jones Shrugs Off ‘Ducking’ Aspinall Accusations
    Image: UFC.com

    As for the fight itself, Jon Jones insists he’s not the roadblock. “It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings,” he posted, painting himself as a humble company man who just happens to be sitting on the title while the rest of the division twiddles their thumbs. He’s even suggested he hasn’t trained since his last fight and that the UFC is happy to keep him as champion, not Tom. Meanwhile, Aspinall has been left in limbo, defending his interim belt just to stay active, a rarity in UFC history.

    The UFC, for its part, claims negotiations are ongoing, with Dana White promising that the fight will happen – eventually. But with Jones hinting at retirement and Aspinall openly questioning whether the champ will ever return, fans are left wondering if this is all just a drawn-out exit strategy for Jones. In short, Jones is playing the blame game with a straight face, dodging responsibility for the stalled division while taking potshots at Aspinall’s credentials.

  • UFC Reportedly Agrees to $12M Mega-Fight Guarantee with Jon Jones ‘Biggest Check in UFC History’

    UFC Reportedly Agrees to $12M Mega-Fight Guarantee with Jon Jones ‘Biggest Check in UFC History’

    The UFC heavyweight division has become the stage for the sport’s most expensive game of chicken, as Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall circle each other with the promise of a $12 million mega-fight – the biggest guaranteed check in UFC history – dangling in the balance. The only thing heavier than the potential payday is the cloud of uncertainty hanging over whether this blockbuster will ever actually happen.

    UFC Negotiation Stalemate: Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

    Negotiations for this unification bout have dragged on since last November, with both fighters and the UFC locked in a will-they-won’t-they saga that’s left fans, contenders, and even Dana White himself in a holding pattern. Tom Aspinall, the British interim champ with a penchant for first-round finishes, has spent the past year defending his belt and insisting that Jon Jones is, for all practical purposes, retired “The guy’s living his best life,” Aspinall said this week, “We know Jon’s a religious man, so I want to say: God bless him moving forward with what he does in his life and career.”

    Chael Sonnen’s Scoop: Inside the Alleged Mega-Deal

    But not everyone is buying the retirement talk. Enter Chael Sonnen, former Jones rival, who claims to have the inside scoop: “There’s a story going around that is largely believed… Jon Jones just wants that guarantee. He doesn’t have a past of selling huge pay-per-views, so when they tell him how great this is going to be, he’s looking around going, ‘Hey, I’ve never had great before. I want my money up front.’ What is believed in our industry is whatever that number was – and I believe that to be $12 million, in case you’re interested, got my own sources – but the UFC said, ‘Okay.’”

    “And the problem with giving a guy that big of a quote… Jon’s check at the end of the night will be the biggest check he’s ever got. It’ll be the biggest check anyone has ever got from the UFC.“

    According to Sonnen, this would see Jones out-earn the likes of Brock Lesnar, Georges St-Pierre, and Ronda Rousey, whose paydays now look positively modest by comparison. The UFC, for its part, seems ready to write the check. Reports suggest that the promotion has agreed to Jones’ terms, meaning the only thing left is for “Bones” to sign on the dotted line.

    “If Jon wants the fight to happen today… it could be a done deal today. It’s up to him, and it’s always been up to him,” MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently said, echoing the industry consensus that the ball is firmly in Jones’ court.Yet, for all the money and hype, the fight itself remains stuck in neutral. Sonnen points out the risk for the UFC: if Jones gets $12 million for Aspinall, he’ll want the same for every fight after, even if the next opponent is less marquee than the British knockout artist. And with heavyweight options thin, the UFC is left with a dilemma – pay up now, or risk the division slipping further into limbo.

    Aspinall Waits, Fans Agitate

    Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall waits, the division stalls, and fans grow restless. The petition to strip Jones of his title has nearly 180,000 signatures. As Sonnen quipped, “This fight is getting smaller, not bigger.” The anticipation that once made this matchup feel inevitable now feels more like a tease, with each passing week eroding the excitement.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jon Jones on Instagram

    Will the UFC’s biggest-ever check finally tempt Jon Jones back into the Octagon for the showdown everyone wants? Or will this be remembered as the fight that never was, a $12 million question mark hanging over the heavyweight crown? For now, all eyes are on Jon Jones.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC
  • “Dana White Has a Deadline” UFC Insider Says Jon Jones Could Be Stripped if Tom Aspinall Fight Falls Through

    “Dana White Has a Deadline” UFC Insider Says Jon Jones Could Be Stripped if Tom Aspinall Fight Falls Through

    Jon Jones could be running out of time. The UFC heavyweight division finds itself at a crossroads, and the man holding the map is none other than Dana White. According to UFC insider and perennial provocateur Chael Sonnen, the clock is ticking for Jon Jones, the reigning but rarely seen heavyweight champion, to finally square off with interim champ Tom Aspinall.

    Deadline Dana: Jon Jones Faces the Chop if Aspinall Fight Falls Flat

    If that fight doesn’t materialize, Sonnen warns, Jones could find himself stripped of his title, something the UFC has never done while an undisputed champion is still technically in the picture.“Will the UFC put a deadline on the heavyweight division? Yes, privately, Dana White has a date and location,” Sonnen revealed, adding that, “If Dana doesn’t succeed at getting that fight closer, he’s going to start to get angry—and that’s not a guy you want to say no to. The UFC has never allowed an interim champion to exist in the presence of our undisputed champion. If Jon Jones doesn’t fight Aspinall, I do believe we would have to strip Jones.”

    For months, the saga has played out like a heavyweight soap opera. Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight kingpin, made his long-awaited move to heavyweight. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has bulldozed his way through the division, grabbing the interim belt, even defending this title, and calling for a shot at the top. Negotiations have been as slippery, with both fighters and the UFC brass keeping details close to the vest.

    Jon Jones' coach speaks out on fighting Stipe Miocic
    Image: UFC.com

    After Jon Jones captured the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023, a defense against Stipe Miocic was set but fell apart due to Jones’s injury. Enter Tom Aspinall, who seized the interim belt by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich and then defended it in July 2024, all while calling out Jones for a unification bout. But instead of the clash fans craved, negotiations devolved into a slow-motion standoff.

    Aspinall has been ready and waiting, repeatedly stating he’d fight Jones “whenever and wherever.” But Jones, ever the master of mind games, has kept everyone guessing—publicly musing about retirement, focusing on “love and happiness,” and even shifting blame for delays onto the UFC itself. When asked about the holdup, Jones claimed, “Y’all barking up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet”. Meanwhile, he’s been busy with seminars in Thailand and reality TV, while Aspinall sits idle and frustrated.

    Public pressure has mounted. A fan petition to strip Jones of the title has soared past 150,000 signatures, with accusations that he’s “holding the title hostage”. Even Dana White, usually tight-lipped, has hinted at a deadline, with November at Madison Square Garden rumored as the final window for this fight to materialize. Chael Sonnen, never one to miss a headline, claims the fight is finally booked, but official confirmation remains elusive.

    Over 76,000 Fans Sign Petition For UFC To Strip Jon Jones of Heavyweight Title
    Image: @UFCEspanol/X

    Sonnen, never shy with an analogy, painted a picture of Dana White’s shifting moods: “Whatever Tom and Dana said on a phone call stays right there, whatever Jon and Dana said stays right there. That’s called ‘nice Dana’—and nice Dana gets a lot of fights done. Mad Dana gets every fight done. You’ll know when mad Dana arrives—when you start getting revealed what was said on these calls, that’s the clue that the date is sneaking up on us. But right now, it’s optimistic Dana, calm Dana.”

    The rumored deadline? Sonnen hints at November, with Madison Square Garden as the likely battleground. “I believe I even know when—November. I think I even know where—Madison Square Garden. That’s not inside scoop, I’m just sharing for you. As that date gets closer, if those bout agreements don’t start coming together, you’re going to see mean Dana. But either way, you’re going to see Jon and Tom fight.”

    The message is clear: the UFC’s patience isn’t infinite, and neither is Jon Jones’ reign if he doesn’t defend his throne.

    Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones' Drug Tests Disqualify Him As Greatest Fighter
    Images: @tomaspinallofficial/@jonnybones/Instagram
  • UFC Legend Slams Jon Jones: ‘Champ Shouldn’t Dictate Terms – He Must Be Held Accountable’ says Former Titleholder

    UFC Legend Slams Jon Jones: ‘Champ Shouldn’t Dictate Terms – He Must Be Held Accountable’ says Former Titleholder

    UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock has never been shy about speaking his mind, and this week he’s set his sights on another legend: Jon Jones. If there’s one thing fight fans know about Ken Shamrock, it’s that he’s never been one to pull his punches – inside or outside the cage. Now, the UFC Hall of Famer is landing verbal jabs at Jon Jones, calling out the heavyweight champ for playing matchmaker with his own career. In classic Shamrock style, he’s not asking politely, he’s demanding accountability, and he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way.

    Ken Shamrock talks Jon Jones

    In a recent interview wih PokerScout, Shamrock didn’t mince words, saying, “It just feels like you should not ever let a world champion be able to dictate terms.” According to Shamrock, even the biggest stars in the sport shouldn’t get to pick and choose their opponents, no matter how many belts are hanging in their closet.

    Ken Shamrock

    For those who need a refresher, Ken Shamrock is one of the original faces of mixed martial arts. He was a pioneer in the early days of the UFC, known for his grappling and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Shamrock’s battles with Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz are the stuff of MMA legend, and he helped lay the groundwork for the sport’s global explosion.

    Shamrock’s comments come at a time when Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is under fire for his handling of the heavyweight title picture. Jones, who made a triumphant move up to heavyweight, has left the division in limbo refusing to fight. Meanwhile, interim champ Tom Aspinall has been tearing through opponents, making a strong case for a shot at the undisputed title.

    But with Jon Jones reportedly uninterested in facing Aspinall, the UFC’s matchmaking has become a hot topic. Ken Shamrock says that it’s up to the organization to keep things fair. “It is up to the organization to hold everybody accountable,” he insists. The UFC Hall of Fame athlete points out that while champions have earned some perks, those perks shouldn’t come at the expense of hungry contenders like Aspinall, who deserve their shot at glory.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jon Jones on Instagram

    So, as the heavyweight division waits for clarity, Shamrock’s message is clear: being champion is about more than just holding a belt. It’s about facing the best, even if they’re the new kids on the block. And if the UFC wants to keep things interesting, maybe it’s time to remind everyone – yes, even Jon Jones – that nobody is above the game.

  • Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Jon Jones appears entirely indifferent by the growing calls from the MMA community for him to be stripped of his UFC heavyweight title.

    Jones clinched the UFC heavyweight title with a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. However, more than two years have passed since that moment, and he has defended his title only once during that span.

    “Bones” has spent the bulk of his heavyweight reign on the sidelines after suffering a serious torn pectoral injury ahead of his first title defense against former champ Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November 2023. Following his injury-induced exit, Tom Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title and emerged as the division’s new force.

    However, rather than facing Aspinall in a highly anticipated title unification clash, Jon Jones chose a different path upon his return to the Octagon — opting instead to defend his heavyweight belt against Miocic at UFC 309 this past November.

    Although the British standout has relentlessly campaigned for a potential showdown with Jones, “Bones” has expressed minimal interest in the matchup. He has repeatedly suggested that only a massive payday could entice him into the Octagon with Aspinall — otherwise, he seems more inclined to retire. Jones’ stance has remained largely noncommittal, casting serious doubt over whether the fight will ever materialize.

    Jon Jones Responds To Fan-Led Petition To Strip His UFC Heavyweight Belt

    Frustrated by Jon Jones’ seemingly nonchalant attitude toward a potential heavyweight title unification bout with Tom Aspinall, fans launched a petition on Change.org two weeks ago, urging UFC CEO Dana White to take action and strip “Bones” of his title over his ongoing unwillingness to face the interim champion.

    The petition has surprisingly gained momentum, amassing over 82,000 verified signatures at the time of writing.

    The surge of fan backlash has not gone unnoticed by Jones, who addressed the petition on social media by taking a pointed jab at his naysayers.

    “The equivalent to pico grams,” Jon Jones wrote on Instagram.

    Jones’ jab carried a not-so-subtle reference to one of the most controversial moments of his UFC career. The joke traced back to UFC 232 in December 2018, when “Bones” made his return from a 15-month suspension after testing positive for an anabolic steroid, stepping in to rematch Alexander Gustafsson.

    However, just a week before the fight, Jones once again tested positive, this time for trace amounts measured in picograms of the same steroid that had previously led to his suspension. Years later, USADA revised its regulations, clarifying that levels below 100 picograms no longer constitute a violation.

    Image: @jonnybones/Instagram

  • Should Jon Jones Be Stripped? UFC World Divided as Champ Dodges Tom Aspinall Showdown – Former Champion Weighs In

    Should Jon Jones Be Stripped? UFC World Divided as Champ Dodges Tom Aspinall Showdown – Former Champion Weighs In

    The UFC heavyweight division has found itself in a holding pattern, and the man at the center of the storm is none other than Jon Jones. Despite holding the undisputed heavyweight title for over a year, Jones has yet to unify the belts with interim champion Tom Aspinall, leaving fans, fighters, and even fellow champions scratching their heads and pounding their keyboards.

    Should Jon Jones be Stripped?

    Former UFC champion Michael Bisping, never shy with an opinion, has become the latest voice to ask the question everyone’s thinking: “Should Jon Jones be stripped? That’s the question on everyone’s lips right now. Tom Aspinall, the interim champ, is waiting in the wings, and the UFC heavyweight division is in limbo.”

    Let’s rewind. Jon Jones claimed the heavyweight crown in March 2023 and has defended it just once, against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. Since then, he’s been spotted everywhere except the Octagon, Thailand, reality TV in Russia, even the odd cryptic tweet, but not across from Aspinall. Meanwhile, Aspinall has defended his interim belt and, in the process, set the record for the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history, a record, as Michael Bisping points out, that nobody really wants.

    The frustration is palpable. Tom Aspinall, by all accounts, is ready and waiting. “Tom Aspinall’s been sitting there as the interim champion for a long time now. He’s the longest-reigning interim champ in UFC history. That’s not a record you want. He deserves his shot,” Bisping said. The fans agree: a petition to strip Jones of the title has racked up nearly 20,000 signatures in a week, with supporters accusing Jones of “holding the UFC heavyweight title hostage.”

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down
    Image: @tomaspinallofficial/Instagram

    ‘Bones’ Jones, for his part, seems unbothered by the noise. He’s mused about retirement, entertained the idea of fighting other challengers like Alex Pereira, and generally acted like a man with better things to do than unify belts. When pressed, he’s suggested that beating Aspinall would do little for his legacy, a stance that has only further inflamed critics.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jon Jones on Instagram

    The UK-born Bisping, who once defended Jon Jones, has now joined the chorus calling for action: “At some point, you have to defend the belt or step aside. That’s the job of the champion.” He points out the irony that Jones, once the youngest champion in UFC history, was given his shot by an established titleholder. “What about when you were fighting for the belt and you were the youngest person to ever do it? You got that opportunity, and when you become the champion, there’s an obligation to do that. So defend or vacate.”

    Jon Jones
    Image: MMA Crazy/YouTube

    UFC president Dana White, ever the optimist, insists the fight will happen in 2025, but patience is wearing thin. Tom Aspinall is left in limbo, and the heavyweight division remains stalled while its champion enjoys life outside the cage. As Bisping bluntly put it: “All these cryptic tweets and going out to Thailand and living his best life and s*, great. If that’s what you wanna do, congratulations, go off and enjoy your life. But, do the decent thing.”

    For now, the UFC’s big men wait. The fans wait. And Tom Aspinall, record interim champ, waits. The ball, as ever, is in Jon Jones’ court.

  • Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has once again cast uncertainty over his fighting future, suggesting he may be stepping away from competition. During a recent trip to Asia, Jones delivered a cryptic message in which he claimed he is “done” with fighting, raising questions about whether fans will see him in the Octagon again.

    Jon Jones: I’m Done

    ‘Bones’ Jones, who last fought at UFC 309 in November, has been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding a potential title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Despite widespread anticipation for this matchup, Jones has remained noncommittal, fueling rumors with his latest remarks on social media.

    Jon Jones
    Image: MMA Crazy/YouTube

    On a video call, he was asked when he is fighting next. Jon Jones reponded by saying, “I’m done, I’m done.”

    In a recent video, Jones addressed accusations that he was avoiding a fight with Aspinall, saying, “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck. Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life. I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”

    The Rochester native’s comments come after he successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, securing a third-round knockout. Since then, Jones has kept fans guessing about his next move, neither confirming nor denying plans for future bouts.

    Adding to the intrigue, Jones revealed this week that the UFC is already aware of his intentions and expressed surprise that the organization has not shared this information with the public. As speculation continues to swirl, the future of one of the sport’s most decorated fighters remains unclear, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for official word on whether Jon Jones will compete again.

    Jon Jones
    Image: @espnmma/X
  • ‘Let’s Just Move On And Strip Him’ – Fans React To Jon Jones, Nate Diaz Coaching Russia’s Answer To The Ultimate Fighter

    ‘Let’s Just Move On And Strip Him’ – Fans React To Jon Jones, Nate Diaz Coaching Russia’s Answer To The Ultimate Fighter

    As Tom Aspinall (along with most MMA fans around the world) waits for his UFC heavyweight championship unification match, it appears Jon Jones’s next venture — in a surprising move — is outside the Octagon.

    Jones will be heading to Russia alongside another UFC great, Nate Diaz, to serve as coaches for season two of ALF Reality — a Russian program similar in nature to The Ultimate Fighter.

    Jones announced the news on his Instagram page.

    ALF Reality‘s first season also saw two UFC stars serve as coaches, as that season featured former bantamweight title rivals Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan.

    That said, several MMA fans and pundits gave the news flack, as this project provides no update for a fight with Aspinall — a fight Jones has previously stated he feels he has little obligation to fulfill.

    Jon Jones To Serve As Coach On Reality Show Opposing Nate Diaz

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    Jones and Aspinall’s negotiations have gone on for months now, with Aspinall at one point showing up in the crowd at UFC London in late March, holding up a rubber duck to the camera.

    Jones has fought just twice since the start of 2023 — defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for the then-vacant heavyweight title and retaining it in a fourth-round finish of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. Jones’ win over Gane was his first fight in the Octagon since defeating Dominick Reyes to retain the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 247 in February 2020 for that matter.

    Aspinall became interim UFC heavyweight champion with a 69-second finish of Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event of UFC 295 in November 2023. That was the originally planned date for Jones vs. Miocic before Jones suffered a torn pec.

    Aspinall retained the interim title with a finish of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July. If he’s required to defend the interim belt again, he would become just the second man in UFC history (following Renan Barao’s two interim bantamweight title defenses during Dominick Cruz’s injury while champion) to do so.

  • Jon Jones Won’t Turn Down Tom Aspinall Fight, Insists Self-Proclaimed ‘Greatest Insider’ In MMA

    According to Chael Sonnen, UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones won’t hesitate to say yes when presented with an official offer to fight Tom Aspinall this year.

    Aspinall has pushed for unification showdown with Jones since winning interim gold in November 2023. The Brit made the most of the cancellation of Jones’ planned defense against Stipe Miocic by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice.

    17 months later, the heavyweight division continues to be ruled over by multiple titleholders, both of whom have faced other opponents instead of colliding in a title unifier. With Jones remaining steadfast on his desire to face Miocic, Aspinall passed the time by dominantly defending his interim strap against Curtis Blaydes last July.

    Since “Bones” had his hand raised four months later, talk of the pair unifying the titles has only increased, with the UFC also seemingly now firmly behind that plan.

    The one delay in getting it booked? According to the British champ, a familiar reluctance from Jon Jones.

    But in a video posted to his Instagram account, Sonnen dismissed any suggestion that his former rival will have rejected any offers from the UFC.

    “My permission as the greatest insider in this sport, Jon will not turn that fight down,” Sonnen said. “Jon has not been offered that fight. That’s the monster in the closet that people don’t seem to want to be true. There has not been a suggestion of a date or a venue, not yet, and a phone call to Jon where his opponent would be Tom for the undisputed title. If you believe that Jon Jones is refusing to do those things, you’re wrong. He’s not yet been presented with that offer.”

    Aspinall recently continued his taunting of Jones by holding up a duck toy while in attendance at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in London, England.

  • Tom Aspinall Sends Message To Jon Jones In UFC London Broadcast Appearance

    Tom Aspinall Sends Message To Jon Jones In UFC London Broadcast Appearance

    Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall continues to taunt Jon Jones regarding his avoidance of a unification fight.

    Aspinall has been calling for a showdown with Jones ever since capturing interim gold in November 2023. He capitalized on the cancellation of the Rochester native’s planned defense against Stipe Miocic by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice.

    But 16 months later, the heavyweight division remains under the rule of two titleholders, both of whom have faced other opponents in the meantime. With Jones remaining steadfast on his desire to face Miocic, Aspinall passed the time by dominantly defending his strap against Curtis Blaydes last July.

    Since “Bones” had his hand raised four months later, talk of the pair unifying the titles has only increased, with the UFC also seemingly now firmly behind that plan.

    The one delay in getting it booked? According to the British champ, a familiar reluctance from Jones.

    In spite of Dana White’s ongoing confidence when it comes to the bout reaching the cage, Tom Aspinall continues to accuse “Bones” of ‘ducking’ him. And he once again brought with him an appropriate toy to Saturday’s UFC London event at The O2.

    For now, Aspinall will be continuing to stay ready in the gym while the UFC looks to reach an agreement with the heavyweight kingpin, who has thus far submitted Ciryl Gane and knocked out Miocic as a heavyweight.

  • Jon Jones Becomes Co-Owner Of Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship

    Jon Jones Becomes Co-Owner Of Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship

    Jon Jones has now officially stepped into the world of fight promotion.

    On Friday, Jones expanded his footprint in combat sports by securing co-ownership of Dirty Boxing Championship, a striking-based promotion founded by BKFC standout Mike Perry. The venture is also co-owned by his longtime managers, Malki and Abe Kawa.

    “Platinum” launched Dirty Boxing Championship in July, introducing a unique hybrid ruleset that blends elements of boxing with MMA-style striking. Fighters compete in an 18-foot ring while wearing five-ounce gloves.

    The promotion permits all hand strikes, including elbows, and introduces a distinct ground-and-pound element — fighters who score a knockdown can follow up with punches, but they must remain standing while doing so.

    The promotion made its debut in November with an exclusive, invite-only event, where former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero clinched a first-round knockout victory over Duane Crespo in the headlining bout.

    Dirty Boxing Championship is set to return this Saturday with DBX1, its first sanctioned event, taking place at The Hangar in Miami, where “Bones” is expected to be in attendance. The card features a stacked lineup, headlined by Yoel Romero, with former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski competing in the co-main event.

    Jon Jones last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 309 last November, where he delivered a dominant third-round knockout victory over former champion Stipe Miocic to successfully defend his UFC heavyweight title.

    “Bones” has long been expected to face interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a highly anticipated title unification bout. However, despite Aspinall’s persistent callouts, Jones has shown little interest in the matchup.

  • Chael Sonnen Berates Jon Jones Over Reports Of 6-Month Training Demand For Tom Aspinall Fight

    Chael Sonnen Berates Jon Jones Over Reports Of 6-Month Training Demand For Tom Aspinall Fight

    Former fighter Chael Sonnen doesn’t understand UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ alleged stance on the timeline for a unification fight with Tom Aspinall.

    Months into 2025, fight fans are still none the wiser about whether or not they’ll see Jones and Aspinall share the Octagon. While the interim champ has been calling for the fight since his crowning in late 2023, “Bones” has continued to actively avoid it.

    Since Jones defeated Stipe Miocic last November, UFC CEO Dana White has expressed confidence in the matchup coming to fruition. The latest update, however, has suggested that even if the promotion comes to terms with the heavyweight kingpin, the fight won’t be reaching the cage anytime soon.

    According to renowned reporter Ariel Helwani, who was speaking on his YouTube channel, Jones “wants six months to prepare once the fight is locked in.”

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, a former rival of Jon Jones’ in Chael Sonnen offered a bemused reaction to that claim.

    “It’s been four and a half months since that fight (against Miocic). Did he not train? Train with Aspinall in mind? Did he not full-well know the undisputed champion was going to take on the interim champion?” Sonnen said. “What do you mean you need six months? Six months from when? Six months starting when? Dare do I guess, you mean from right now, don’t you?”

    While Aspinall continues to wait for news of the UFC’s talks with Jones, he has stressed his willingness to fight any other contender next as long as undisputed status is on the line.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev, the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, is seemingly on the hunt for a war of words with Jon “Bones” Jones, following his victory at UFC 313. 

    Ankalaev’s win, which secured him the title previously held by Jones, has derailed potential plans for Alex Pereira to challenge Jones for the heavyweight championship. Had Pereira retained his 205-pound belt, calls for a super-fight between the two would have been inevitable.

    However, Ankalaev’s victory has cleared a significant hurdle for a Jones unification fight, a point the Russian has been keen to emphasize on social media.

    This online feud began when Jones posted a graphic highlighting his record-breaking number of UFC title defenses, stating, “Small flex.” Ankalaev responded sharply, accusing Jones of cheating, stating, “Yes, but all this CHAMPIONs clean his big cheater we all know this.”

    Ankalaev has continued to taunt Jones, specifically accusing him of avoiding a fight with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. This online roasting follows Dana White’s recent statement that Jones will return “this summer” for a unified heavyweight title fight against Aspinall, though the promotion has yet to formally announce the bout.

    “Johnny steroid machine was very disappointed. I beat Alex please fight big Tom Aspinall stop running,” he wrote.

  • Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira recently entered an elite UFC club, becoming only the third fighter in history to achieve this rare milestone.

    Pereira’s lightning-fast ascent in the UFC has been remarkable, establishing him as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. In just seven fights over a span of two years, “Poatan” defied the odds, securing championship gold in two different weight divisions.

    Within the last year, Pereira dominated the UFC light heavyweight division, defending his title three times — all via knockouts. His résumé boasts finishes over former champions like Israel Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, and Jiří Procházka (twice), to name a few.

    Pereira put his 205-pound title on the line for the fourth time this past weekend, facing Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. However, the outcome didn’t go his way, as he suffered a debated unanimous decision loss.

    Ahead of the opening bell, Alex Pereira received some notable recognition, joining a prestigious group that includes only Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

    The legendary voice of the Octagon, Bruce Buffer, acknowledged Pereira’s status by introducing him as “The One, The Only” — a distinguished title reserved for the sport’s most iconic figures.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ-w2cB2Zbw

    Buffer first bestowed this accolade upon “The Notorious” when he made his much-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 246 in January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. McGregor delivered a knockout victory in just 40 seconds.

    At UFC 285 in March 2023, Buffer honored “Bones” with the same iconic introduction as he made his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane. Jones secured a first-round submission victory to claim the title.

  • UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    Jon Jones’ early UFC career is particularly notable for making history as the youngest champion in the promotion’s history. While unlikely, one rising fighter set to see action at UFC 313 still holds slim hopes of breaking that record.

    Jones claimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, when he defeated Maurício “Shogun” Rua at just 23 years of age. He’s since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers in UFC history, setting multiple records at 205 pounds before moving up to heavyweight, where he later won the championship.

    Now, UFC 313’s Joshua Van is hoping for a chance to surpass Jones’ record — but time is running out.

    Van, who made his professional MMA debut in 2021, has compiled a 12-2 record, including six fights in the UFC. The 22-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and remains optimistic about his chances, even if he acknowledges the challenge of making history.

    “Nah, I never thought about it (becoming the youngest UFC champion) until I made it to the UFC, and then I was like, ‘Oh, I’m pretty young… maybe I can make it happen,’” Van told MMA Knockout ahead of his return at UFC 313. “If, like, a miracle, some opportunity pulls up and I get to fight for the belt, then hey, so be it. Let’s hope.”

    For Van to achieve this feat, he would need an unexpected title shot within the next four months, as he turns 23 soon. Current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend his belt against Kai Kara-France in June, meaning Van would likely need an injury or unforeseen circumstances to open the door for him.

    Van was originally scheduled to fight Bruno Gustavo da Silva on March 8 at UFC 313. However, Silva withdrew due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Rei Tsuruya, the winner of Road to UFC Season 2 in the flyweight division.

  • Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Jon Jones’s return to the Octagon is generating significant buzz, with UFC CEO Dana White providing an update. 

    The most pressing question remains: will Jones finally face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall?

    Jones’ avoidance of Aspinall has fueled accusations of “ducking” from fans, especially considering his controversial title defense against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 rather than facing the interim champ.

    Despite past avoidance, White has repeatedly stated that Aspinall is Jones’ next opponent. This potential clash is one of the most anticipated in MMA history, with Aspinall being widely regarded as the Rochester native’s toughest test at heavyweight.

    The fight’s realization, however, hinges on negotiations and getting the right figure agreed to.

    While appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, White confirmed that the heavyweight champion will fight sometime “this summer.” This announcement could put to rest earlier retirement speculations that had swirled around Jon Jones.

    While a definitive date and opponent are yet to be finalized, UFC International Fight Week (IFW), culminating in UFC 317 on June 28, is a strong possibility. However, rumors of a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight headlining could leave room for Jones to compete later in the summer.

    The summer showdown, if it materializes, promises to be a landmark event in Jon Jones’ legendary career. It would also be one of the biggest fights that the UFC could do.

  • Dan Hardy Names The Only ‘Legit’ Fight For Tom Aspinall Aside From Jon Jones — And It’s Not Alex Pereira

    Dan Hardy Names The Only ‘Legit’ Fight For Tom Aspinall Aside From Jon Jones — And It’s Not Alex Pereira

    In Dan Hardy’s eyes, the only intriguing opponent for Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall sits outside of the promotion.

    Aspinall continues to await news of his next assignment. Despite the division boasting two titleholders for the past 16 months, it remains unclear whether the British powerhouse and Jon Jones will meet in a unification fight.

    Following Jones’ successful defense against Stipe Miocic last November, Dana White gave his backing for “Bones” to face Aspinall next. Negotiations for that coming to fruition are seemingly underway.

    And according to Hardy, the UFC higher-ups better make Jones an offer he can’t refuse lest they be left with zero “legit” matchups for Aspinall.

    Though many might disagree and point to a heavyweight clash with current 205-pound kingpin Alex Pereira, “The Outlaw” believes only PFL star Francis Ngannou would be adequate opposition for the Manchester native.

    “Of course, Pereira could touch anybody on the chin on the planet and knock them out. But if you’re looking for a real, legit heavyweight contender for Tom, maybe I’m a broken record, but it has to be Ngannou,” Hardy said during a recent appearance on Submission Radio. “There isn’t anybody else, really. I don’t see any other fight that truly excites me. I can point at that and say, ‘That’s the heavyweight king.’ And I don’t even think I could say that if it was Jones versus Aspinall at this point, because I don’t feel like Jones is — I mean, he’s potentially number three in the heavyweight division right now, behind Ngannou and Aspinall.

    “You have to admit, though, someone else in Tom Aspinall’s position might just say, ‘Hey, give me Pereira. Let’s just fight now,’ because that would bring so much money,” Hardy continued. “But he wants the tougher fight in Jon Jones, and if Francis Ngannou were around, he’d want the tougher fight in Francis Ngannou. So it’s one of those things where we should reward the guys that deserve to be rewarded.”

    The topic of Pereira moving up another division has long been a prominent topic. And it’ll no doubt return to the surface should he dispatch of Magomed Ankalaev for a fourth successful light heavyweight title defense this weekend at UFC 313.

    Ngannou, meanwhile, emerged victorious from his PFL debut last October. He’s expected to next return to the boxing ring.

  • Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    A rising heavyweight contender is ready to make his mark and test Tom Aspinall if uncertainty continues to cloud the top of the division.

    Aspinall has been waiting in the wings and remains hopeful that Jon Jones will eventually step up to unify the UFC heavyweight championship. Having held the interim belt for nearly 16 months, he even defended it last August at UFC 304 with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes.

    Meanwhile, “Bones” returned in November after a prolonged injury layoff, successfully defending his title against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 — his first defense since claiming the heavyweight crown in March 2023.

    Aspinall’s patience appears to be wearing thin, as he recently shared a video on his YouTube channel discussing his vision for 2025. He revealed that he’s still waiting on the UFC’s efforts to bring Jones to the table for a title unification bout.

    However, the Englishman made it clear — he’s open to facing any top-10 heavyweight he hasn’t already fought, including Jones, Ciryl Gane, and Jailton Almeida, but only if the fight is for the undisputed gold.

    In his video, Aspinall showered Almeida with praise, recognizing him as a formidable contender and expressing interest in a potential clash down the line. The admiration didn’t go unnoticed, as the Brazilian quickly responded on X, throwing his name into the mix as the leading candidate for Aspinall’s next fight.

    “If the fight against Jones doesn’t work, LETS GO Champ! Forget Gane, he ducked you before, he is ducking me now, besides that, he already lost 2-times in title fights and his last win was a robbery, lets make ASPINALL VS ALMEIDA for undisputed title,” Almeida wrote.

    “Malhadinho” boasts an 8-1 UFC record, having earned his spot in the promotion through Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. He stormed through the competition with seven victories — most by finish — before suffering his first setback, a knockout loss to Blaydes at UFC 299 in March 2024.

    However, Almeida rebounded in spectacular fashion, securing a submission victory over Alexandr Romanov at UFC 302. He last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 311 in January, where he delivered a dominant first-round knockout against Serghei Spivac.

  • Jon Jones Or No Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall Reiterates Non-Negotiable Demand For His Next Fight

    Jon Jones Or No Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall Reiterates Non-Negotiable Demand For His Next Fight

    While Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall is willing to entertain opponents other than Jon Jones, he won’t budge on another demand for his next fight.

    Aspinall has been calling for a unification showdown with Jones ever since capturing interim gold in November 2023. He capitalized on the cancellation of the Rochester native’s planned defense against Stipe Miocic by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice.

    But 16 months later, the heavyweight division remains under the rule of two titleholders, both of whom have faced other opponents in the meantime. With Jones remaining steadfast on his desire to face Miocic, Aspinall passed the time by dominantly defending his interim strap against Curtis Blaydes last July.

    Since “Bones” had his hand raised four months later, talk of the pair unifying the titles has only increased, with the UFC also seemingly now firmly behind that plan.

    The one delay in getting it booked? According to the British champ, a familiar reluctance from Jones.

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Aspinall provided an update on his plans for 2025, outlining that he’s still awaiting the outcome of the UFC’s push to get Jones onboard.

    Ultimately, the Manchester native is open to fighting whomever. But he stressed that undisputed status being on the line is non-negotiable for his next walk to the Octagon.

    “I’m not bothered who it’s against, to be honest, it’s not just the Jon Jones fight I’m looking for,” Aspinall said. “I’m looking to fight. I’m in shape. I’ve been working hard since way before Christmas. I’ve been in the gym twice a day. My diet’s good. I’ve been sparring. I’ve got international training partners here. I am prepared to fight anybody. But what’s holding it back is the UFC wants to make the fight with me and Jon. As far as I’m aware, it’s now about maybe financial, otherwise, I’m not too sure to be honest. I’m just waiting for the call right now. I’m 100 percent ready to go.

    “One thing that I want to be really clear on, I am only fighting for the undisputed title. That’s my only discrepancy,” Aspinall continued. “I will fight absolutely anyone. We can look through my record, you can speak to any promoter that I’ve ever worked with, UFC or otherwise, I have absolutely never turned down a fight in my life. Never turned down an opponent and I’m not going to start now. What we need to be clear on is that I have done enough in the UFC to fight for the undisputed title. I am the best heavyweight in the world and I just want a chance to prove it.”

    For now, Aspinall will be continuing to stay ready in the gym while Dana White and Hunter Campbell look to reach an agreement with the heavyweight kingpin, who has thus far submitted Ciryl Gane and knocked out Miocic as a heavyweight.