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The Heavyweight division took a big step forward earlier on Thursday (May 16, 2024) when interim champion Tom Aspinall booked the first defense of his title opposite wrestling ace Curtis Blaydes. The two are booked as the co-main event of UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 from Manchester, England.
Official kingpin Jon Jones isn’t worried.
Despite resistance from the fan base, Jones and UFC CEO Dana White have made it abundantly clear that the next match up for the undisputed belt — which, again, is currently disputed by Aspinall — will be Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, despite Miocic’s extremely long layoff since his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou.
In a series of Tweets, Jones reacted to the interim title booking and labeled it the “official number one contender spot,” dismissing any bit of the bout’s credibility as a championship fight.
Curtis versus Tom for the official number one contender spot!
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
In addition, Jones revealed November 9th as his planned return date, which hasn’t yet been announced by UFC. Jones rebuked the online critics and laughed off the Blaydes vs. Aspinall match up again, pointing out that the duo are the co-main event to a Welterweight title fight, which would never happen with an undisputed Heavyweight title fight.
I’m definitely not retired. Sitting on my porch sore all over enjoying some time in the Metaverse. November 9 can’t come soon enough. I’m earning it every day. Just like I always have. https://t.co/wskChxw4j3
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
Trolls telling me I’m slowing down the division by getting injured. Meanwhile, the next two heavyweights aren’t even a main event? interesting. I’m on the right path, I got until November to remind the world. Again.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
Jones’ tweets actually offer a lot of clarity as to how the Heavyweight division will move forward. If both bouts go through as planned, the victor of Jones vs. Miocic and Aspinall vs. Blaydes could seek to unify the titles in the first half of 2025. It’s not ideal to have both champions fighting other contenders just a couple months apart, but at least there’s a game plan moving forward.
… Unless Jones retires with a victory.
Insomnia
Joaquin Buckley wasn’t interested in a quick turnaround opposite Ian Garry.
NEW: Joaquin Buckley confirms he turned down a fight against Ian Garry after his win at #UFCStLouis and lists several reasons why.
“I definitely denied [a fight against Ian Garry]. I ain’t wanna catch no herpies, n*gga. I’m good. My man be having them little pop ups. I… pic.twitter.com/bLHfCqPfQc
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) May 16, 2024
Boxing payouts are so far beyond UFC salaries.
Canelo Alvarez ($85million), Anthony Joshua ($83million) and Tyson Fury ($50million) are the only three boxers featuring in Forbes’ top 50 highest-paid athletes list for 2024. Canelo is #14 on the list, AJ is #16 and Fury is #42.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 16, 2024
I hope to be alive for UFC 1000 but I pray I’m not covering it!
Which #UFC event will you live until? pic.twitter.com/9wSC8mojN5
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 16, 2024
Terrance McKinney reacts to his knockout loss last weekend:
Update: I’m gonna be a submission artist for now on lol pic.twitter.com/sbNjnTZ3iE
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) May 16, 2024
Belal Muhammad has more than earned his shot, but also … why are UFC fighters the last to hear that they’re fighting?!?
This is how Belal Muhammad reacted when he found out that he’s fighting Leon Edwards at UFC 304.
@bullyb170 pic.twitter.com/6n6ugqn3UT
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 16, 2024
Sean Strickland’s reply in the comments: “Man its out of respect!! You’re crushing it bkb lol! I just wanna see how good you are!!!!!”
The build up to Sean O’Malley vs. Ryan Garcia is getting weird!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
This is quite the dramatic fall at the end.
Incredible event yesterday at Thai Fight League. Ali Khodarahmi falls to the canvas after some good shots from Rasisingha but then he gets up and finishes him off! pic.twitter.com/cAQgFr4kqL
— Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) May 13, 2024
Getting booted like a heavy bag is a worst-case scenario.
Incredible spinning elbow set up by falling forward after throwing the teep kick:
Random Land
What could possibly be in those plastic bags that is worth getting gored by a bull?
A bull charged at a woman on a beach in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur over the weekend as horrified tourists watched and warned her to back away. pic.twitter.com/FaiZHRsOTR
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 15, 2024
Midnight Music: Rock, 1971
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.