Jon Jones has commented on social media following reports suggesting his much-anticipated clash with Tom Aspinall has been fully agreed upon.
This significant heavyweight title unification bout, featuring the interim and undisputed champions, has been a topic of discussion since last November.
Jones had publicly demanded substantial payment for the fight, which seemed to jeopardize its realization. However, it is understood that UFC management has decided to meet his financial requirements.
Earlier this week, former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen claimed the fight was confirmed and that a date had been finalized.
Shortly after Sonnen`s announcement, UFC Hall of Famer Jones posted on social media, though his message did not pertain to the potential fight.
The 37-year-old shared a video expressing gratitude to Donald Trump for giving him a Presidential challenge coin.
In the video, Jones stated: “Oh, I love this, guys. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Some of the most beautiful skies and beautiful views. Speaking about beauty, I wanted to give a shoutout to our 45th and 47th President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, for giving me this beautiful challenge coin. I`ve had the privilege to meet some pretty amazing American people and I`ve got these coins for some of our country`s best. But this one has the top of them all from the President Himself to my mailbox. [A] great honour. Thank you for this beautiful gift, it will be mounted in the house.”
However, hours later, Sonnen retracted his claim that the Jones vs. Aspinall fight was finalized, instead suggesting Aspinall would face Ciryl Gane in a second interim title defense.
Last weekend, 32-year-old Aspinall hinted at upcoming fight news on his YouTube channel, saying: “I know everyone wants fight news. But I do know what’s happening now. I have been sworn to secrecy for a little bit, so stay tuned. But there will be news coming, hopefully very soon.”
Despite UFC President Dana White`s assurance late last year that the fight is guaranteed to happen, MMA fans are becoming increasingly skeptical about its future.
White had stated: “I’ll say 100 per cent [that it happens in 2025]. 100 per cent. I think it’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history. And it’s a massive in the history of the company, too. It’s a big fight.”
The former pound-for-pound king, Jones, has not competed since his dominant spinning-back kick finish of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in New York last November.
Meanwhile, Aspinall, the “Wigan warrior,” has been sidelined since his swift 60-second victory over Curtis Blaydes in their rematch at UFC 304 last July.
