Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall can be biggest fight in UFC history

NEW YORK – Jon Jones might declare Tom Aspinall lacks notoriety, however UFC CEO Dana White clearly thinks in any other case.

After Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) dispatched of Stipe Miocic (20-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) by third-round TKO on Saturday at UFC 309 to defend the heavyweight championship, White has a powerful craving to see a unification bout with interim titleholder Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), who has been campaigning arduous to get a combat with “Bones.”

Sadly for Aspinall, although, Jones thinks he’s “an asshole” who’s “annoying.” Jones stated each earlier than and after UFC 309 that he has no real interest in preventing Aspinall and would somewhat vacate the belt than give the Brit a possibility to compete in opposition to him.

The one factor that might open the door in Jones’ thoughts is that if the UFC supplied him “f*ck you cash,” however didn’t share a selected quantity. White stated Jones will likely be correctly compensated, and displayed solely confidence a deal will get executed. And if it does, White thinks it is going to be an all-time occasion.

“It might be the most important heavyweight combat in UFC historical past, by an extended shot,” White informed MMA Junkie and different reporters on the UFC 309 post-fight press convention. “It’s going to be the most important heavyweight combat ever. And it’ll in all probability be the most important combat we’ve ever executed.”

By which metric White defines for the “greatest combat” is unclear. He may very well be referring to dwell gate, pay-per-view gross sales, normal world curiosity or one other variable, however the assurance behind his feedback was encouraging to these pining to see the combat.

Offshore opening odds for a possible Jones vs. Aspinall combat have Jones as a slight betting underdog. If that held, it could be the primary time Jones can be an underdog in a combat since early 2009. He was an underdog in his first two UFC fights in opposition to Andre Gusmao and Stephan Bonnar, however by no means has been lower than roughly at the very least a 2-1 favourite in each combat since then.

White stated he loves Jones being pitted able of doubt. White has been Jones’ sternest supporter lately, touting him because the world’s prime pound-for-pound fighter and finest fight sports activities athlete in historical past.

The UFC boss was impressed with what he noticed from Jones in opposition to Miocic, and White is very intrigued about how Jones would strategy a combat with Aspinall.

“He’s acquired the best combat IQ – he’s like f*cking Elon Musk within the octagon,” White stated. “This man is good in there, and the issues he pulls off (are wonderful). … I don’t know what he’ll do with Aspinall.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 309.