UFC President Dana White has unveiled plans for heavyweight champion Jon Jones to make his much-anticipated return to the octagon this summer. Despite widespread speculation about Jones’ future, White has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing for a potential clash with interim champion Tom Aspinall, while also hinting at the possibility of a future bout with Alex Pereira.
Jon Jones’ Anticipated Return and Aspinall Challenge
In recent interviews, Dana White addressed the swirling rumors concerning Jon Jones’ next move. Fans had speculated that Jones might retire after his victory over Stipe Miocic last November. However, White clarified that Jones is eager to fight again, saying, “Jones will fight anybody … don’t let the internet fool you,” as reported by ESPN. The UFC heavyweight division has been buzzing with excitement as negotiations between Jones and English interim champion Tom Aspinall gain momentum. “The plan is to fight Jon this summer,” White revealed during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show. While specific details of the match are still being finalized, White emphasized his commitment to making the Jones vs. Aspinall fight happen this year.
Potential Superfight with Alex Pereira on the Horizon
In addition to the anticipated clash with Aspinall, there has been ongoing chatter about a potential superfight between Jon Jones and current light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Although White initially expressed reservations about this matchup, he recently indicated a shift in perspective. “Pereira wants to go up to heavyweight and fight at heavyweight, too,” White commented. He acknowledged that while he has been cautious about allowing Pereira to make the move, the possibility remains open depending on how future events unfold. “I think that the fight that everybody wants to see right now is Jones and Aspinall, and then there’s no doubt that Pereira could fight the winner,” White added, suggesting an exciting trajectory for the heavyweight division.
Looking Ahead: UFC’s Heavyweight Landscape
The UFC’s heavyweight division is poised for an intriguing summer with the potential return of Jon Jones and a thrilling matchup against Tom Aspinall. As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await official announcements and fight dates. Moreover, the prospect of Alex Pereira stepping up to challenge the heavyweight roster adds another layer of excitement to the scene. With Jones’ return and the possibility of further high-stakes matchups, the UFC promises a thrilling lineup that could significantly impact the heavyweight rankings and captivate the global MMA audience.
