Sorry Tom, maybe one day.
Despite what you may have heard from The Clash, London is not calling.
At least not for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who is losing interest in a potential showdown against current interim titleholder Tom Aspinall. Instead, “Bones” wants to pursue a “massive” fight against current light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira.
Right after he disposes of Stipe Miocic later this year.
“If Alex Pereira became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT? Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “That fight after Stipe may be the next biggest move I could possibly make. This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to millions around the world. The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.”
Add it to the list of “super smart” ideas from the heavyweight champ.
“It would be absolutely massive,” Jones continued. “A guy with a chance to be three-division champion and a GOAT versus the actual GOAT. Same age, different strengths. No one can argue that that would be the biggest fight in MMA history. There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane.”
So would the death threats.
“You actually think me fighting Tom would be more massive than Alex and I colliding? Tom only matters in the U.K., newsflash,” Jones insisted. “Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Tom’s a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square Garden’s main event. I’m thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what U.K. fans are dying to see. Literally just went through this with the French fans.”
Just ask this spine-popping Parisian.
I guess Jones, 36, is starting to ramp up the mind games as he quickly approaches his return from injury. “Bones” has not competed since March 2023 and is not expected to make his Octagon return until fourth quarter of this year. In the meantime, look for Aspinall to defend the substitute strap at UFC 304 in Manchester.
Assuming the arena doesn’t implode by then.