Jon Jones has provided a significant update regarding his anticipated heavyweight fight with Tom Aspinall, much to the excitement of MMA enthusiasts.
Discussions for a major unification bout between the former pound-for-pound champion and the interim titleholder have been ongoing since last November.
Jones, 37, had insisted on receiving substantial compensation for the fight, a demand that many speculated could jeopardize the highly anticipated matchup.
However, he recently reached an agreement with UFC management and has since indicated to a former MMA champion that the fight is expected to happen “soon.”
Former heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman shared on social media, “I ran across the Champ at Dirty Boxing. He is the GOAT. He will be fighting Aspinall soon. We are so brothers. God is great. HammerHouse4Life.”
Jones`s recent hint at the fight timeline follows UFC CEO & President Dana White`s statement that the fight is essentially “DONE.”
White mentioned to TNT Sports, “It’s going to happen. It’s done, but it’s not done. Not done enough to sit right here now and announce it and give you a date. But the fight’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of getting it signed now.”
“If we pull this off and actually make the fight, announce it and start leading up to it. This will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.”
Aspinall further suggested an imminent fight announcement by posting a photo with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell on social media with the caption “stay tuned.”
Sources indicate that UFC had initially aimed for Jones vs Aspinall to headline UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas.
However, reports suggest Jones desires a minimum of SIX MONTHS to prepare for the bout against Aspinall.
Jones, a former long-reigning light heavyweight champion, last competed in November, securing a victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
Aspinall`s most recent fight was in July, where he defeated Curtis Blaydes in record time at UFC 304 in Manchester, avenging his previous defeat.
