UFC CEO Dana White Axes Jon Jones Vs. Alex Pereira, promises Tom Aspinall Next

On By Littum

UFC CEO Dana White insists he never makes new matchups immediately after an event is over. However, the situation is somewhat different before the event.

The promotion is two days from UFC 309, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for Jones’ heavyweight title. White is adamant the winner will fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall instead of challenging UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in a blockbuster superfight.

White sat down with longtime sports talk radio personality Jim Rome on Thursday to preview the main event. He cleared the air on what the future of the heavyweight division will look like after Saturday’s fights.

“If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall,” White said.

From Jones’ perspective, he told members of the media on Wednesday that he doesn’t feel the need to fight Aspinall given what he considers an unimpressive resume. Jones refused to complete an interview with TNT Sports’ Adam Catterall for fear of unwanted bias against Aspinall, which “Bones” may have perceived as an attempt to bait him into saying something he probably shouldn’t.

Jones still chose to give the interview to the outlet as it is the British television partner of the UFC, but this shows how much the heavyweight champion remains focused on defeating Miocic.

UFC CEO Dana White Axes Jon Jones Vs. Alex Pereira, promises Tom Aspinall Next

November 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; UFC mixed martial arts heavyweight champion Jon Jones poses for a photo before a game between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. / John Jones-Imagn Images

Catterall remained professional and understood Jones’ point of view, although he appeared visibly disappointed.

This is Jones’ first fight since last March, when he won the vacant heavyweight title with a first-round submission against Ciryl Gane, the former UFC interim heavyweight champion.

Meanwhile, Miocic sat out for over three years after losing his title to Francis Ngannou. By taking the risk, Miocic is now presented with a potential cherry on top and career storybook ending: regain the heavyweight title, beat the GOAT of MMA and maintain that the risk was worth the reward.

Hold on MMA knockout for more FREE coverage of UFC, MMA and boxing.

Follow MMA Knockout on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.