Chael Sonnen expects Tom Aspinall to must defend his interim heavyweight title once more after UFC 309.
Jon Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) defends his heavyweight title in opposition to Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 309 primary occasion at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Hulu/FX, ESPN+).
Jones continued to dismiss Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) as his subsequent opponent if he will get previous Miocic, and sees mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) as a extra profitable combat for his legacy. Sonnen sees a special path for the Brit.
“I’ve at all times believed – and that is nothing greater than rumor, and I again this with just a little proof – however I’ve at all times maintained that Pereira’s subsequent combat will probably be in opposition to Aspinall, and will probably be for the interim title,” Sonnen stated on “Good Man/Dangerous Man” with Daniel Cormier. “I even consider I do know when it’s going to be. I consider it’s going to be mid-January in California (UFC 311).”
Sonnen acknowledges that Magomed Ankalaev is the No. 1 contender at mild heavyweight and ought to be subsequent for Pereira. With each Pereira and Aspinall anticipated to be in attendance for UFC 309, Sonnen thinks each fighters will probably be inserted into the aftermath of Jones vs. Miocic – however in opposition to one another.
“I do consider there’s going to be a panning to each of these guys,” Sonnen stated. “I consider there’s going to be a dialog, however not as a result of they’re subsequent for the winner of Jones-Stipe. I feel they’re going to discover a strategy to get these two collectively and the winner will tackle Jones or Stipe. That’s purely a rumor, however I’m simply providing it.
“I’m additionally listening to that Pereira’s hand isn’t going to be fairly prepared by December however may very well be by January and, once more, you take away Ankalaev however you insert Aspinall, I simply assume there’s some legs to that. Now, there must be sure outcomes. Stipe is available in, he wins this, every little thing we simply stated is up in smoke, however I’ve by no means seen Dana White play checkers. I’ve at all times seen Dana White be two and three steps forward, and I’m telling you, I consider the course they’re seeking to go if every little thing works out, Aspinall-Pereira.”
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