Reports suggest that Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have reached an agreement on the date for their much-anticipated heavyweight title clash.
A significant unification bout, pitting the interim champion against the undisputed titleholder, has been under consideration since November of last year.
Initial uncertainty surrounding the fight stemmed from Jones` financial demands, with claims he sought “significant compensation.” However, the veteran mixed martial artist reportedly came to terms with the UFC leadership last month.
According to UFC insider and former title challenger Chael Sonnen, the highly awaited confrontation has now been finalized.
Speaking on a recent episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy, Sonnen stated, “I am confident enough to tell you the fight is done. That fight is agreed all the way down to the date. Jon Jones did NOT duck this fight. I wish he did, I’d love to bury him.”
Sonnen`s comments follow interim champion Tom Aspinall`s recent hint at an upcoming announcement.
The British fighter mentioned in a video on his YouTube channel, “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.”
Jones himself also hinted at an imminent announcement late last month, reportedly telling UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman that his fight with Aspinall would happen “soon.”
These hints from the fighters came after UFC President Dana White asserted that the promotion`s “biggest heavyweight fight” in history is planned for this year.
White told 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.”
Undisputed champion Jon Jones has not competed since his victory over Stipe Miocic via spinning-back kick KO at UFC 309 last November.
Aspinall`s last appearance was in July at UFC 304 in Manchester, where he quickly defeated Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds, avenging a previous loss from 2022.
