UFC President Dana White has issued a definitive statement regarding Jon Jones` competitive future, amidst ongoing doubts about the anticipated heavyweight title unification fight against Tom Aspinall.
This significant potential clash has been under discussion since November of last year but has yet to be officially booked. Reports suggest the UFC leadership has agreed to meet Jones` demands for substantial compensation, often referred to as “f**k you money.”
The continued lack of finalization for the bout has led many mixed martial arts fans to believe the fight may never actually happen.
However, during a recent online session, a resolute White declared: “We`ll get Aspinall vs Jones done. The heavyweight fight will happen. Just relax, I`ll announce that soon.”
White has since **GUARANTEED** that the former pound-for-pound king, Jon Jones, will indeed compete sometime within the current year.
He specifically stated to Adam Glyn: “Jon Jones will be fighting in 2025. 100 per cent.”
White`s firm declaration followed his announcement of several upcoming pay-per-view main events, including the featured bout for UFC 317 scheduled for June 28.
The long-time promoter revealed that the main event for the International Fight Week card will pit Georgian-born Spaniard Ilia Topuria against fan favorite Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship.
White also confirmed that the co-main event will feature Alexandre Pantoja defending his men`s flyweight title for the fourth time against challenger Kai Kara-France.
Considering the presently scheduled UFC pay-per-view events, a potential showdown between Jones and Aspinall, should it be confirmed, would likely not take place until September at the earliest.
According to sources, the fight is provisionally targeted for UFC 322, which is expected to be held at Madison Square Garden in November. However, the specific date for the promotion`s annual event in New York City has not yet been finalized.
Jones, a former champion in two divisions, has faced persistent accusations of “ducking” the interim champion Aspinall ever since his intended title defense against Stipe Miocic last November did not proceed.
These suggestions that he is avoiding the British fighter have visibly annoyed the Hall of Famer, who took to social media to address his detractors.
He commented: “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck. Meanwhile, I`m living my absolute best life. I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”
Jones recently drew the frustration of UFC fans with a subtle jab at Aspinall, humorously referencing his own inactivity.
While commenting on a joint online post announcing an upcoming training seminar with Bangtao MMA, he wrote: “Everything but fighting.”
