Jon Jones is determined to fight Stipe Miocic, and nothing seems to be changing his mind.
Jones claimed the UFC heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 over a year ago. Originally, he was set to defend his title against Miocic at UFC 296. However, an injury sidelined him, forcing the fight to be postponed. Since then, Jones has been on the mend, aiming to return to the Octagon later this year to face Miocic. This plan stands firm, despite the rise of interim champion Tom Aspinall.
Naturally, Aspinall has expressed frustration over Jones’s insistence on fighting Miocic. Miocic, now 42 years old, hasn’t fought in more than three years. Aspinall, eager to unify the titles, even suggested earlier this week that Jones will likely never agree to fight him. Jones’s recent social media activity hasn’t done much to convince anyone otherwise.
In a series of posts, Jones made it clear that his focus remains on Miocic. He also took the opportunity to comment on Aspinall and reflect on his own legacy in the sport.
Jon Jones Hints at Retirement After Stipe Miocic Fight, Tom Aspinall Weighs In
“Looks like Tom displaying that amazing UK wrestling. My focus is on Stipe; he actually wrestled division one. Best heavyweight of all time as of right now. Maybe Tom will go on and beat Stipe’s record one day. Right now, I’m focusing on GOAT things,” Jones posted.
Jones didn’t stop there, adding a bit of humor and confidence to his posts.
“Haha man, you guys have been really begging me lately. Is the heavyweight division really that boring without me?” he quipped.
Jones also took time to address a resurfaced video where he mentioned that after fighting Miocic, Francis Ngannou was the only other opponent he was interested in. He clarified that the video was recorded over a year ago, long before his injury and before Aspinall became interim champion.
“I guess there was a video that resurfaced recently of me saying that after Stipe, Francis was the only fight I was interested in. That video was recorded well over a year ago. That was recorded before I got injured, before there was an interim champion crowned. I had already voiced that I wasn’t interested in any more randoms. Now magically I’m ducking a fight that’s never been negotiated or discussed at any table that matters. Lol, I’m sticking to my plans, Jon Jones jumps for no one. How many belts does one need? How many times do I have to break my own record?” he said.
Jon Jones Continues to Throw Shade at Tom Aspinall
Jones also reflected on his career, hinting at the possibility of retirement.
“I’m 37 years old now, I’ve kicked everyone’s ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather, and all the other retired bad asses,” he mused.
Jones seemed to revel in the notion that the sport would miss him when he’s gone, leaving the door slightly open for future negotiations.
“It feels good to know on the way out your sport was literally begging you to continue. You never know, maybe the UFC will offer me a deal I can’t refuse,” Jones added.
“Interesting, from my point of view it seems like an amazing way to finish this good work I started so long ago.”
Jon Jones On His Way Out
As Jones continued to engage with his fans and critics, Tom Aspinall was not silent either. Aspinall posted a skit on his Instagram, playfully mocking Jones for what he perceives as Jones avoiding a fight with him.
Aspinall also directly responded to Jones’s comments, interpreting them as an indication that Jones might retire after the Miocic bout. He didn’t hold back in taking a shot at Jones for sticking to the Miocic fight.
“Wonder if it was that video or my fighting that retired him? Please make sure you pass me the belt on the way out of the octagon if you beat Biden,” Aspinall remarked.
Tom Aspinall Responds
While there’s no official date yet, it’s widely believed that Jones will face Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. As the situation unfolds, fans are left wondering whether this will indeed be Jones’s last fight, and if so, what the future holds for the heavyweight division.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
