Aspinall or Ngannou – what next for Jones after epic UFC return?

Jon Jones announced his comeback to the UFC in style when he disposed of Stipe Miocic in just three rounds at UFC 309.

The American, 37, swept aside any concerns about age or ring rust after a 20-month layoff due to injury.

Two-time heavyweight champion Miocic was no match for the supreme Jones, who confirmed after his victory that he would not be retiring from MMA.

Jones had been hinting throughout UFC 309 fight week that he might be hanging up the gloves, but now it looks set to continue.

So who could Jones fight next? Is Tom Aspinall frontrunner or could an unlikely match-up with Francis Ngannou happen?

Here are the candidates.

Tom Aspinall – the front runner

Interim heavyweight champion Aspinall is certainly the frontrunner. The Manchester fighter was cageside to see Jones return and has relentlessly pursued an undisputed fight for weeks.

Aspinall, 31, is probably the riskiest of opponents for Jones, given his age and ability.

We don’t know the ceiling of Aspinall’s abilities yet, which makes him a dangerous prospect.

As interim champion, Jones is expected to fight Aspinall next, otherwise he will likely be stripped of the heavyweight belt.

However, Jones suggested he wanted to “negotiate” with the UFC executive about his next fight, suggesting he could be keen to bank a bigger payday if he agrees to fight Aspinall next.

UFC president Dana White believes the fight would be massive and said Jones would be “well compensated”.

“It would be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history, by a long shot,” White said.

“I’ve got Tom waiting for me outside right now, and Jon will be Jon. He’ll disappear, not only do you not want to hear what he’s doing, neither do I. But then he’ll show up again, he’ll call , and we’ll get it done.”

Alex Pereira

Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira was on no one’s lips as Jones’ potential next opponent until Jones himself began touting the possibility during fight week.

Pereira, 37, is a great light heavyweight but was also a UFC middleweight champion.

The Brazilian would probably not be a popular choice among fans to begin with, although Jones himself is keen on the idea.

But given that Pereira has four straight knockout wins and has been a sensation in the UFC since joining in 2021, fans are unlikely to protest the fight for too long.

However, he is an outside choice for Jones’ next game.

Francis Ngannou

Ngannou was among those who wrote about Jones’ victory over Miocic.

“Jones looked good out there tonight. Congratulations Jonny boy. I see you,” he said.

Ngannou is now with PFL has previously been the UFC heavyweight champion.

The 38-year-old is unlikely to ever return to the UFC after a very public spat with White.

That means a cross-promotional deal will have to be made if we’re going to see this fight next. That’s probably as close to impossible as it gets in MMA with White fiercely against co-promotion with other MMA promotions.

However, that won’t stop people from calling the contest.

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