Dana White on Jon Jones’s Future: “If He Doesn’t Retire, He Fights Aspinall”
Ahead of UFC 309, UFC President Dana White addressed Jon Jones’s future, including the possibility of a showdown with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. With Jones set to face Stipe Miocic on Saturday night, White insists that whatever Jones decides after the fight—whether it’s retirement or taking on Aspinall—is entirely up to him.
White Defends Jon Jones Against “Ducking” Claims
As speculation swirls about whether Jones is avoiding a fight with Aspinall, White firmly dismissed the notion:
“For anybody to say he’s ducking anybody, Jon Jones is like 37, 38 years old,” White remarked, “He’s fought all the best in the world, in their prime, been doing it since he was 23 years old. He doesn’t duck. And he’s undefeated, he’s never lost a fight, which is unbelievable in like 16 years.”
White emphasized Jones’s legacy and record as proof of his willingness to face the toughest competition throughout his career. Despite recent narratives questioning Jones’s intent, White insists that Jones has earned the right to make his own decisions at this stage of his career.
White believes that if Jones chooses to continue fighting, a matchup with Aspinall is likely. While Jones has refused to engage with Aspinall talk in the lead-up to UFC 309, White remains open to the idea:
“If he doesn’t decide to retire, he absolutely, positively fights Aspinall,” White said confidently. According to White, while Jones may seem uninterested in the fight now, he’s known for taking time off, allowing his competitive drive to build back up.
For White, the question of a Jones-Aspinall fight isn’t about reluctance but rather timing. He’s convinced that if Jones doesn’t retire, the Aspinall fight is on the table.
White Supports His Decision
Though White is hopeful Jones will fight Aspinall if he decides to continue, he also respects whatever choice Jones ultimately makes:
“But if he decides Saturday night that’s it, it’s over, it’s his right to make that decision,” White stated, “What this guy has accomplished, nobody else has even come close to accomplishing and he’s the greatest of all time. So we’ll see.”
White’s respect for Jones’s legacy shines through, acknowledging that Jones’s accomplishments give him the right to retire without regret if he chooses.
White sees Jones’s potential post-fight plans as part of a familiar pattern:
“That is classic Jon Jones right there. Classic Jon Jones,” White said. He expects Jones to take some time off after UFC 309, allowing him to recharge. White believes that, “if he wins, he’ll disappear for a while, and then that competitive spirit will start bubbling up again, and then money will talk.”
For White, the path to a Jones-Aspinall fight depends on whether Jones’s competitive edge resurfaces and if he decides to continue adding to his already historic career.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
