If Jon Jones sticks round past his upcoming matchup towards Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, then he’s obtained designs on a possible battle towards a reigning champion however not the one you would possibly suppose.
With rumors of retirement swirling round his return on Nov. 16, the now 37-year-old heavyweight champion doesn’t have something left to show relating to his accomplishments within the sport. That’s why Jones isn’t serious about simply combating anyone at this stage of his profession however there’s a sure Brazilian knockout artist who’s captured his consideration currently.
“If there have been to be a battle of a man that’s nonetheless on our UFC roster that will be not solely financially value it however legacy value it, it will be Alex Pereira,” Jones instructed Kevin Iole forward of UFC 309. “Alex Pereira and I, we’re each 37 years outdated. Proper now I weigh about 235 [pounds]. I’m an extremely mild heavyweight. I believe Pereira walks round at 240.
“I believe that battle would go a lot farther on my legacy than a younger man who’s cool at this time and perhaps gone tomorrow.”
In his quick time since becoming a member of the UFC roster, Pereira already claimed titles throughout two totally different weight courses and he’s scored wins over 5 former UFC champions. He’s at the moment driving a five-fight win streak with 4 knockouts alongside the way in which whereas turning into arguably one of many greatest stars in teh sport.
In the meantime, the “younger man” in query is UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who is anticipated to be in attendance at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York when Jones defends his belt towards Miocic in the primary occasion.
Aspinall has requested quite a few occasions for the possibility to face Jones since defeating Sergei Pavlovich to say the interim title however his calls have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Whereas he’s stated just lately that he hopes that the winner within the UFC 309 essential occasion sticks round lengthy sufficient to unify the titles, Aspinall in all probability gained’t be thrilled to listen to what Jones needed to say about that potential matchup.
“Greater than probably not [fighting Tom Aspinall],” Jones revealed. “I really feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don’t need to say no one, however he simply hasn’t confirmed something. He hasn’t achieved something. I perceive that he gained his belt towards Sergei [Pavlovich]. Sergei simply obtained slaughtered by [Alexander Volkov]. I’m not right here to gamble another person making a reputation off of me.
“I’m right here to compete towards the blokes once we look again 10 years from now like ‘Jon Jones fought this man and that man and this legend and this champion and this champion.’”
As spectacular as Aspinall has been throughout his UFC marketing campaign with an 8-1 document total and all of his wins coming by knockout or submission inside the primary two rounds, Jones simply doesn’t see a large enough physique of labor to make it value his time to hunt out that battle.
All through his 16-year UFC profession, Jones has witnessed loads of extremely touted prospects come and go and he’s simply not serious about sticking round to face the following huge factor.
“I bear in mind a time when the entire world thought Johnny Walker was going to be the man to beat me,” Jones stated. “No disrespect for Johnny Walker however we’ve all see the way in which his profession has performed out.
“I’ve simply been right here too lengthy to get all enthusiastic about somebody who’s scorching at this time. I’m right here for legacy. I’ve been playing for too lengthy to simply take random fights.”
