Claiming he would favor to battle Alex Pereira as a substitute of Tom Aspinall after UFC 309 subsequent weekend, Jon Jones insisted he received’t let the “hype” which surrounding to the Brit dictate what occurs in his profession after taking up Stipe Miocic.
Jones, the present heavyweight gold holder and former two-time gentle heavyweight champion, will return to motion subsequent weekend within the headliner of UFC 309, headlining the flagship card at Madison Sq. Backyard in a rescheduled title offing in opposition to former two-time heavyweight champion, Miocic.
Most not too long ago competing again in March of final yr, Rochester native, Jon Jones landed a primary spherical guillotine choke submission over former interim champion, Ciryl Gane — securing the vacant heavyweight crown together with his stoppage of the French contender.
And earlier this week, Jon Jones was topic to criticizm from pundits and followers alike on social media, showing to play up a pairing with former two-weight greatest, Pereira subsequent — slightly than unify the titles at heavyweight in opposition to Aspinall.
“Greater than doubtless not,” Jones advised Kevin Iole when requested if he would battle Aspinall after UFC 309. “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 completed something. I perceive he received his belt in opposition to Sergei, and Sergei simply obtained slaughtered by another person, so it’s like, I’m not right here to gamble another person making a reputation off of me.”
“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 mentioned. “We’re each 37 years outdated. Proper now, I weigh about 235. I’m an extremely gentle 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 right this moment, and could also be gone tomorrow.
Jon Jones performs down pairing with “hype” machine Tom Aspinall
Moreover, on social media this night, Jones appeared to consult with Atherton native, Aspinall as simply “hype” as soon as extra — as he detailed his plans for the sundown of his fight sports activities profession.
As at this level in my profession, each resolution is rooted in goal,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account. “My journey isn’t dictated by hype or outdoors opinions—it’s about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I’m right here to do what’s proper for my profession and my legacy, with a imaginative and prescient that’s clear and unshakable. Targeted, pushed, and in full management of myself. The story continues, and it’s unfolding precisely as I’ve envisioned.
