Tag: Jon Jones

Jon Jones defends status as undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, continues to snub Tom Aspinall

Jon Jones defends status as undisputed UFC heavyweight champ, continues to snub Tom AspinallJon Jones’ reign as the current UFC heavyweight world champion is being called into question. With Francis Ngannou walking…

Jon Jones defends status as undisputed UFC heavyweight champ, continues to snub Tom Aspinall

Jon Jones’ reign as the current UFC heavyweight world champion is being called into question.

With Francis Ngannou walking away from the promotion’s offer in favor of fame and fortune in the boxing ring, ‘Bones’ returned from a three-year-long layoff to compete for a vacated title against perennial contender Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.

It took Jones all of two minutes to submit ‘Bon Gamin’ to claim the heavyweight crown, making him a two-division champion.

Jon Jones

Unfortunately, Jon Jones has yet to defend the belt.

Originally, he was scheduled to put his strap on the line against the consensus heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. However, a pectoral injury suffered whilst training forced Jones to bow out of the bout. That paved the way for Tom Aspinall to step in and claim the interim heavyweight title with a stunning 69-second KO of Sergei Pavlovich.

As it stands, Aspinall will defend his interim title before Jones returns to defend the undisputed belt. That has some fight fans suggesting that the Salford, England native is the true heavyweight king, relegating Jones to the role of interim champion.

When one fan online suggested this, noting that Jones simply “won a vacant belt,” ‘Bones’ snapped back writing: “Lol I went into the cage a champion, I left the cage that night a champion.”

Jon Jones

Jon Jones more interested in a fight with alex pereira than tom aspinall

Even though a fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall should be top priority for the UFC, it appears as though ‘Bones’ has absolutely no interest in fighting the UK-based star, even if he gets past the 41-year-old Miocic later this year.

Instead, Jones is either toying with retirement or a heavyweight title clash with fellow two-division titleholder Alex Pereira. Taking to social media, ‘Bones’ gauged interest from fans, suggesting that a superfight fight against ‘Poatan’ would be the biggest fight the UFC could make in the division, completely snubbing Aspinall in the process.

“If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?” Jones asked on X. “Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after Stipe maybe 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.”

Jon Jones

Accused of outright ducking Aspinall by one commenter, Jones snapped back in a follow-up post.

“You actually think me fighting Tom would be more massive than Alex and I colliding? Tom only matters in the UK, newsflash,” Jones wrote in response. “Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Toms a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square Gardens main event. I’m thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what UK fans are dying to see. Literally just went through this with the French fans.”

Jon Jones

Jon Jones weighs up Alex Pereira, Tom Aspinall fights with UFC return in the works: ‘Decisions, decisions’

Jon Jones weighs up Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall fights after UFC return decisions decisionsConfirming over the course of the weekend how he has struck a verbal agreement with the UFC to make…

Jon Jones weighs up Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall fights after UFC return decisions decisions

Confirming over the course of the weekend how he has struck a verbal agreement with the UFC to make a return to the Octagon later this annum amid his year-plus layoff, heavyweight champion, Jon Jones appears open to all possibilities after his return – in the form of fights with Alex Pereira or Tom Aspinall.

Jones, a former two-time undisputed light heavyweight champion under the banner of the promotion, and a current heavyweight gold holder, has been sidelined since March of last year.

Jon Jones hits out at loser YouTuber who questioned UFC star's sexuality in bizarre video
Mandatory Credit: Patrick T. Fallon – AFP

Snapping a lengthy hiatus on that occasion, Rochester native, Jones made his heavyweight divisional debut in a vacant title affair against former interim champion, Ciryl Gane, submitting the Frenchman with a first round guillotine choke submission win.

And forced from a November return against former two-time champion, Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, Jones had suffered a pectoral tendon tear in the weeks ahead of the long-anticipated clash. 

Jon Jones claims his relationship with UFC is great I'm the highest paid athlete
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Weighing up a return over the course of the weekend on his official social media, Jones had confirmed he had struck a verbal agreement with promotional brass to make a UFC return, and is still targeting a fight with the above-mentioned, Miocic in his comeback.

Jon Jones claims he has many “decisions” to make on his UFC future

Furthermore, Jones suggested a potential heavyweight title defense against former two-weight champion, Pereira – but admits he has a lot of decisions, as fans clamor for him to take on interim champion, Aspinall after his fight with Miocic.

Alex Pereira rejects UFC 308 clash with Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi I want to fight sooner
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

“Stipe (Miocic) and then decisions, decisions,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account. “I’m coole with this spot.”

As for Pereira, the former two-division gold holder has welcomed the chance to fight Jones in the future – suggesting a staggering weight gain in order to make good on a long-anticipated move to the division.

Who would you like to see Jon Jones fight after his return with Stipe Miocic?

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return: ‘I’ll let Dana White announce the date’

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return I'll let Dana White announce the dateUFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has revealed he has struck a verbal agreement with promotional brass on a return…

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return I'll let Dana White announce the date

UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has revealed he has struck a verbal agreement with promotional brass on a return to the Octagon for the first time since March of last year, amid continued links to a title defense against former champion, Stipe Miocic.

Jones, a former undisputed light heavyweight titleholder twice under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined since March of last year, where he landed the vacant heavyweight crown with a first round guillotine choke submission win over Ciryl Gane.

Jon Jones hits out at loser YouTuber who questioned UFC star's sexuality in bizarre video
Mandatory Credit: Patrick T. Fallon – AFP

And slated to make his comeback at UFC 295 back in November at Madison Square Garden, Rochester native, Jones, a former pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter, was forced from a title defense against the above-mentioned, Miocic.

Jon Jones claims his relationship with UFC is great I'm the highest paid athlete
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Suffering a pectoral tendon tear two weeks before the bout, Jones underwent a surgical procedure in California to address the injury, and recently also went under the knife to address persistent bone spurs injuries in his elbow.

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return

Returning to training last month amid links to a fight with Ohio veteran, Miocic later this annum in his return, overnight, Jones confirmed how a date would be announced imminently for him to make his way back to the sport.

UFC urged to strip Jon Jones of title amid layoff if he doesn't return soon you have to take his belt

“I have a date, I’ll let boss man Dana announce that,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account in response to a user who questioned when he would return. 

“Nope, as (sic) right now it’s just a verbal agreement,” Jon Jones posted. 

Earlier this week, Jones appeared to brush aside a future title unification bout against current interim gold holder, Tom Aspinall – instead weighing up a blockbuster clash with current light heavyweight best, Alex Pereira – with the Brazilian searching for a record-setting third title reign in as many weight classes. 

Would you like to see Jon Jones fight Alex Pereira in the future?

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return: ‘I’ll let Dana White announce the date’

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return I'll let Dana White announce the dateUFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has revealed he has struck a verbal agreement with promotional brass on a return…

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return I'll let Dana White announce the date

UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has revealed he has struck a verbal agreement with promotional brass on a return to the Octagon for the first time since March of last year, amid continued links to a title defense against former champion, Stipe Miocic.

Jones, a former undisputed light heavyweight titleholder twice under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined since March of last year, where he landed the vacant heavyweight crown with a first round guillotine choke submission win over Ciryl Gane.

Jon Jones hits out at loser YouTuber who questioned UFC star's sexuality in bizarre video
Mandatory Credit: Patrick T. Fallon – AFP

And slated to make his comeback at UFC 295 back in November at Madison Square Garden, Rochester native, Jones, a former pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter, was forced from a title defense against the above-mentioned, Miocic.

Jon Jones claims his relationship with UFC is great I'm the highest paid athlete
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Suffering a pectoral tendon tear two weeks before the bout, Jones underwent a surgical procedure in California to address the injury, and recently also went under the knife to address persistent bone spurs injuries in his elbow.

Jon Jones confirms verbal agreement in place to make UFC return

Returning to training last month amid links to a fight with Ohio veteran, Miocic later this annum in his return, overnight, Jones confirmed how a date would be announced imminently for him to make his way back to the sport.

UFC urged to strip Jon Jones of title amid layoff if he doesn't return soon you have to take his belt

“I have a date, I’ll let boss man Dana announce that,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account in response to a user who questioned when he would return. 

“Nope, as (sic) right now it’s just a verbal agreement,” Jon Jones posted. 

Earlier this week, Jones appeared to brush aside a future title unification bout against current interim gold holder, Tom Aspinall – instead weighing up a blockbuster clash with current light heavyweight best, Alex Pereira – with the Brazilian searching for a record-setting third title reign in as many weight classes. 

Would you like to see Jon Jones fight Alex Pereira in the future?

Alex Pereira plans 238lbs heavyweight move amid links to fight with Jon Jones: ‘I don’t want to get too heavy’

Alex Pereira plans 238lbs heavyweight move amid links to fight with Jon Jones I don't want to get too heavyLinked heavily with a stunning heavyweight divisional move in pursuit of a record-setting third Octagon crown, Alex Pereira has…

Alex Pereira plans 238lbs heavyweight move amid links to fight with Jon Jones I don't want to get too heavy

Linked heavily with a stunning heavyweight divisional move in pursuit of a record-setting third Octagon crown, Alex Pereira has revealed he could likely debut at the weight class as high as 238lbs – amid links to a fight with Jon Jones.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion and the incumbent king at light heavyweight, turned in a stunning first round knockout win over Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC 300 last month, successfully defending his title at 205lbs.

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And welcoming the prospect of a heavyweight leap in the time since, Sao Paulo knockout star, Pereira has been continually linked with a title clash opposite current interim champion, Tom Aspinall, ultimately to no avail as of yet.

However, this week, Brazilian favorite, Pereira was offered a potential lifeline in his pursuit of a heavyweight move – with the above-mentioned, Jones weighing up a potential fight with the two-division gold holder after he returns later this year against Stipe Miocic. 

Alex Pereira targets UFC 308 homecoming fight at Madison Square Garden it makes total sense
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

“If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?” Jon Jones posted. “Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight against Stipe maybe 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 in the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.”

“It would be absolutely massive,” Jon Jones posted of a fight with Alex Pereira. “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.” 

Appearing at UFC 301 in his native Brazil this weekend, Pereira spoke up the chances of a future heavyweight move – as well as his plan to rematch Jiri Prochazka at 205lbs next, before claiming he didn’t want to put on a huge amount of weight to make the climb.

Alex Pereira rejects UFC 308 clash with Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi I want to fight sooner
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Alex Pereira plans heavyweight leap

“I’ve been training and evolving, and the longer it takes, the more prepared I’ll be for heavyweight,” Alex Pereira told media during a Q&A session. “I’m stronger than heavy. In a short period, I can achieve what I want, I don’t want to get too heavy to be faster. I think 108kg (238lbs) would be good.” 

Would you like to see Alex Pereira fight Jon Jones at heavyweight?

Alex Pereira responds to Jon Jones’ call for a ‘Massive’ fight between the two UFC icons: ‘It would be a war’

Alex Pereira responds to Jon Jones' calls for a 'Massive' fight between the two UFC stars: 'It would be a war'If Jon Jones wants a piece of Alex Pereira, he can get it. ‘Bones’ spent some time on social…

Alex Pereira responds to Jon Jones' calls for a 'Massive' fight between the two UFC stars: 'It would be a war'

If Jon Jones wants a piece of Alex Pereira, he can get it.

‘Bones’ spent some time on social media Thursday, offering insight into his fighting future and testing interest in a potential clash between himself and the UFC’s reigning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. Jones suggested that a scrap between himself and ‘Poatan’ could be an “absolutely massive” fight for the promotion.

Jon Jones
Jon Jones
Jon Jones

Pundits appeared to agree with Jones. So much so that while taking part in the UFC 301 festivities in his home country, Alex Pereira’s phone began to blow up with notifications stemming from Jones’ comments.

During a Q&A session in Rio, Alex Pereira was asked about Jones’ comments. ‘Poatan’ admitted that he was initially surprised by the callout and how quickly the whole thing appears to have taken on a life of its own.

“It caught me by surprise, especially after I saw the first message,” Pereira said. “I didn’t really expect to see that this morning. I know we’ve been doing a very good job. There’s all this hype around me right now. I spoke about going up to heavyweight to fight on this card. I knew it’d catch some eyes eventually. I didn’t expect it to be so fast. But I was very honored and it was a very respectful message, so it was fun” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira Believes he and Jon Jones would deliver an ‘entertaining matchup for the fans’

Having already claimed the middleweight and light heavyweight titles a mere seven fights into his UFC career, Alex Pereira has quickly established himself as one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen.

A win over Jon Jones would not only solidify his spot at the top of MMA’s pound-for-pound list, but it would also etch his name in the history books as the UFC’s first and only three-division world titleholder.

“I feel if you ask the fans, of course, they’ll be all over it and hyped up for that fight,” Pereira added. “There are other athletes in the division that need to move on and all that, so we need to see what’s going on. If the UFC gives us the green light and they show interest, we can make that happen. I’m sure everyone is going to enjoy it.”

“… It would be a war. It would be a very entertaining showcase for the fans. With all the experience and skill set that Jon has, but also with all the abilities I’ve been growing during my MMA career, all the preparation I’ve been doing, and the improvements I’m having. I think it would be a great championship (fight) and everyone would be entertained by that.”

Alex Pereira

Pereira also made it clear that he has nothing, but respect for Jon Jones and his accomplishments inside the Octagon.

“I have nothing against Jon,” Pereira said. “I respect him a lot. We’re both trying to build something. He has an amazing career and has built a lot. I’m building a lot on my career as well. I think we would make for a very entertaining matchup for the fans. If this ends up happening, I believe it’d be fantastic. I would be looking forward to it.”