UFC CEO Dana White is willing to continue from Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.
Fans shouted for a UFC heavyweight title unit between Jones and Tom Aspinall for almost two full years. After Aspinall had earned the interim rim on UFC 295, Jones faced Stipe Miocic instead on his return to the Octagon and beat Miocic by TKO.
Since UFC 309 in November, Jones and Aspinall have been talking to the UFC Brass to make the title Unification Bout flourish. But Aspinall seemed more enthusiastic to continue with negotiations, because Jones has been possible to retire in recent weeks.
UFC CEO Dana White's Patience runs thinly around Jones vs. To let Aspinall happen, in the midst of various top candidates who broadcast their disapproval of the uncertain heavyweight title photo.
Split image of Jon Jones who are preparing to fight UFC 239 and Tom Aspinall who are preparing to fight UFC 295. Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Dana White turns the course on 'Relax' Declaration while he Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Fight Deadline shares
White has repeatedly guaranteed UFC fans that the Jones vs. Aspinall fight would happen, despite various ominous social media reports of both top heavyweights. But Aspinall recently shared that he has a date and location for a heavyweight return fight, against Jones or another top candidate for the undisputed title.
In the midst of the growing pressure to act, White pulled a line in the sand around the current Jones vs. Aspinall Fight Talks in its most definitive update so far.
In a recent performance on the Jim Rome show, White revealed his deadline for securing the Jones vs. Aspinall fight.
“We will see how this thing is going on in the coming weeks. If we can't do this fight, we will soon continue. We will have the answers in the coming weeks,” said White.
“Jon Jones has been an interesting person to deal with since the day he arrived here. But I will say this about him: I would not be here to call him the goat if Jon Jones did not want to fight people. He never said:” I don't like this fight for me, I don't want to fight this guy “. I don't want to fight this guy.”
At the moment, nor Aspinall have responded publicly to White's comments. UFC 317 takes place in Las Vegas on 28 June, which means that an announcement about Jones, Aspinall, and the next heavyweight title fight could be available before International Fight Week.
Jon Jones's Holdout made Tom Aspinall the longest reigning interim title holder of the UFC
Ashinall became the longest reigning interim title holder of the UFC earlier this year and November will be two years since his interim title Knock-out victory over Sergei Pavlovich. Aspinall defended the interim heavyweight belt against Curtis Blaydes on UFC 304 last July.
UFC Vliegweig Champion Alexandre Pantoja recently reprimanded Jones for holding the career of Aspinall. Pantoja will record Kai Kara-France later this month in the UFC 317 Co-Main event.
Since the full -time switch to heavyweight in 2020, Jones has only fought twice, including an empty title victory on Ciryl Gane on UFC 285. He left the light heavyweight championship belt after beating Dominick Reyes on UFC 247.