Dana White once again is insistent that Jon Jones will fight Tom Aspinall next after his title defense bout with Stipe Miocic. He stands by Jones and I’ll recount his reaction to the latest issue in the possible match between both fighters.
Tuesday, Jones said he will retire after he will be expected to fight for his title for the last time against Stipe Miocic this year. On the other hand, Jones used to take interim heavyweight champion Tom Espinal lightly, for instance. This has given rise to a series of speculation and criticism from fans and analyst of different standpoints. In particular, dealing with the aftermath of the championship series finale, White pumped for Jones.
White went on to say that the unannounced bout between Jones and ex-division champion Francis Nganno was not due to the later’s reluctant to. “To those people that maybe have some animosity towards Francis, no, I don’t have any,” White said. In that he emphasized that Jones was not alone in the fight. “Jon Jones really enjoyed that fight with Francis, they obtained what occurred to Cyril Gane, he would do similar to Ngannou, he have to fight back.”
White was keen on replying to what Jones had said especially about him lobbying to face Aspinall. Some people might have reduced confidence in a future bout between Jon Jones and Espinal, but as per Jones, the idea that he has no interest in fighting Espinal is a blatant lie.
The Nganno Argument is UFC Position
Nganno’s UFC house was in disarray. After the expiration of the contract he declined to extend it due to perceived lack of respect from the company referred to as UFC and other core differences. This brought this controversy to another level when Ngannou was cut out from Africa’s “Three Kings” in a promotional video for UFC 305 making many to wonder how the UFC views Ngannou.
White addressed these allegations by bluntly stating, “I don’t know anything about this video or who made the decision to reject Ngannou. If it was something we did, I would be informed.” He said that if the exclusion was intentional, it was not with his direction or knowledge. White aims to dispel any notion that the UFC has a personal vendetta against Nganno.
White’s Assurance During the Jones-Aspinall Fight
Despite Jones’ recent comments about potentially requiring “a deal I won’t accept,” White believes a fight between Jones and Espinal will happen. “Now Jon Jones is doing John Jones,” White said. “He’s not afraid to fight anyone. I believe if Jones beats Miocic, it will be Jon Jones vs. Miocic. Aspinall.”
White emphasized the UFC’s commitment to making important fights a reality. “We’ve always been able to make fighting important,” he said. “Apart from the Francis situation, we rarely get stopped in a big tournament. We have been in touch with top fighters like Brock Lesnar and have always been able to put on quality fights.”
Next for Jon Jones
As Jon Jones prepares to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic later this year, anticipation is building around a possible bout with Tom Aspinall. White’s unwavering confidence in making this fight happen is a sign to fans and critics alike that the UFC is committed to providing the most important matchup of all. The outcome of the Jones-Miocic fight will likely lead to what promises to be an exciting clash with Aspinall.
