Tom Aspinall believes it’s now or by no means for Jon Jones.
For effectively over a 12 months now, Aspinall has courted a heavyweight title unification bout with Jones to no avail. Although Aspinall is the interim champion, this previous November, Jones defended his UFC heavyweight title towards Stipe Miocic and received. After the struggle, Jones mentioned he would want “f*ck you” cash to struggle Aspinall earlier than laying the inspiration for a superfight with then-light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Earlier this month, Pereira misplaced his title in an in depth choice to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. And whereas Aspinall doesn’t need to gloat a few struggle that he has no stake it, he can’t assist however admit how Ankalaev did him a favor.
“ Jon’s telephone acquired whizzed throughout the room on Saturday night time,” Aspinall instructed One On One. “He was there able to Tweet that, [feigns throwing a phone] head within the palms and every thing [Laughs].
“No, in all honesty, I might by no means, each have a good time anyone’s loss. That actually isn’t my fashion. I’m an Alex Pereira fan. I really like his fashion, love the run he’s been on. I actually respect the place he’s come from and every thing like that, nevertheless it couldn’t have occurred at a greater time for me, personally.”
Whereas UFC CEO Dana White was cool on the thought of a Jones vs. Pereira superfight earlier than, the ship appears prone to have sailed utterly now. As an alternative, all indicators level to Ankalaev and Pereira working issues again, leaving Jones with simply two choices, in response to Aspinall.
“There’s no the place to go for Jon,” Aspinall mentioned. “He both has to struggle me or retire now. And if he does retire, everybody is aware of that he can have been avoiding me. So there actually isn’t one other struggle for Jon in the meanwhile. So it really works out fairly good.”
And for what it’s value, Aspinall continues to be holding out hope that it’s the previous. Although stories lately circulated that Jones desires at the very least six months of prep time for a struggle with Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion stays optimistic primarily based on his conversations with high UFC officers.
“I need it to, clearly,” Aspinall mentioned. “I’ve been speaking about it for years now. In all honesty, I’ve been within the rooms with the UFC brass — Dana, Hunter [Campbell] — just a few occasions, and so they’ve instructed me it’s taking place. That’s all I can go off. I’m the identical as everyone else. … The individuals who know are the UFC brass, actually, and after I’ve sat down and spoke to them, they’re assured it occurs. So I belief that it’s going to occur in the event that they’re telling me that.”
Insane. Jake Paul says he’d ‘beat Anthony Joshua’s ass,’ reveals boxer he can’t defeat.
Dismissed. Nate Diaz battery cost dismissed after alleged incident at Las Vegas nightclub in 2024.
BKFC. Mike Perry responds to Jeremy Stephens’ callout, offers newest on BKFC return.
Vibes. Demetrious Johnson appreciated Alexandre Pantoja’s callout, considers him the highest flyweight within the sport now.
ATL. Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick booked for UFC Struggle Night time card anticipated in Atlanta in June.
Scandal. UFC veterans Jeff Molina, Darrick Minner set for disciplinary hearings after alleged involvement in James Krause betting scandal.
Between the Hyperlinks.
UFC London Media Day
Lone’er Kavanagh interview.
Robbie Lawler.
Conor McGregor for President?
Eire, the selection is yours and it’s a straightforward one. Vote for me as your President and we are going to SAVE IRELAND TOGETHER! ❤️ https://t.co/tLGdPITwnr
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 20, 2025
Any guesses on what Ilia Topuria’s new nickname will probably be?
El Matador has been my ally in each struggle. However subsequent time, I’ll step into the octagon with a brand new id. #NewEra
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 20, 2025
Miranda Maverick.
@rosenamajunas has been an inspiration for thus many ladies, particularly in WMMA, and I’m no exception. I watched her struggle as I used to be developing within the sport after which I acquired to coach along with her regularly. We’ve been coaching collectively for the previous few years, however fortunately practice… pic.twitter.com/kkB6swLHwi
— Miranda Maverick (@FearTheMAVERICK) March 20, 2025
Adrian Yañez desires to see violence.
Rose Namajunas (13-7) vs. Miranda Maverick (15-5); UFC Atlanta, June 14.
Alright, y’all. Enjoyable weekend of fight sports activities forward of us. UFC London is fairly strong and the official debut of Soiled Boxing will probably be fascinating if nothing else. Lock in and revel in.
When you discover one thing you’d wish to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, comply with MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Fb.
