UFC CEO, Dana White has shut down Jon Jones’ plan to take on Alex Pereira for a symbolic BMF title fight after his return at UFC 309 this weekend, claiming if the Rochester native wants to compete again – he will be offered a title unification match with Tom Aspinall.
Jones, who returns to action this weekend at Madison Square Garden, puts his heavyweight crown on the line in a title clash against former two-time gold holder, Stipe Miocic – with the Ohio native making his comeback to the Octagon for the first time in three years.
Himself sidelined since March of last year, former pound-for-pound number one, Jones most recently landed the vacant heavyweight championship with a spectacular first round guillotine choke submission over former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane.
And ahead of his title pairing with Miocic, Jones labelled current interim champion, Aspinall an “asshole” – claiming he had no interest in fighting him following his return at UFC 309.
Labelling a slew of potential pairings for his next outing, Jones welcomed “fun” fights with both Jamahal Hill, as well as Derrick Lewis, and even proposed a symbolic BMF title affair with current light heavyweight pacesetter, Pereira.
“If the UFC doesn’t want [the Alex Pereira fight] to happen… then it won’t happen and I’ll just move on with my life,” Jon Jones told assembled media. “Would you guys rather lose me, or get one more superfight? And that’s with Alex Pereira.”
Dana White shuts down Jon Jones, Alex Pereira fight after UFC 309
However, this evening, promotional boss, White has claimed if Jones beats Miocic this weekend, he will only be offered a title unification clash with Aspinall – putting a firm kibosh on an offing with Brazilian fan-favorite, Pereira.
Thursday:
12:40p ET Dana White (@danawhite)
1:20p Tyler Booker (@iamtylerbooker)
1:40p Big Head Bets (@bigheadbets)
2:00p #WhatsYourBeef: @InfSportsNet
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) November 14, 2024
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“If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall,” Dana White said during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show.