After months of uncertainty, Dana White has provided a positive—and somewhat hopeful—update on the ongoing Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga.
The heavyweight division has been stuck in limbo since ‘Bones’ captured the title over two years ago. Since then, the 37-year-old has defended his throne once to Stipe Miocic and is seemingly avoiding any potential matchup with the rightful number-one contender, Tom Aspinall.
Some news has surfaced recently that suggests the blockbuster clash is moving in the right direction, and Dana White’s most recent update adds to that.
“Listen, Jon Jones definitely wants to fight,” White claimed. “[It’s] just when and where is what we’re working on now.”
According to Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones’ side is holding up the deal. The Brit believes the bout should have been finalized by now, though White isn’t worried about the status of the matchup.
“I’m very confident that fight happens,” White said. “[In the summer], yeah.”
Rumors suggest this will be the biggest payday of Jon Jones’ career and likely his final walk to the octagon.
A massive $30 million purse is what could be needed to secure the most significant fight in UFC heavyweight history. A collision between a man that looks like an unstoppable force and a champion that is arguably the greatest fighter ever may be too hard to pass up for Dana White.
Related: Dana White shares update on Jon Jones future
Alongside Tom Aspinall, Alex Pereira was also being mentioned as a potential fight for Jon Jones, though Dana White wasn’t a huge fan of the idea.
“You’re trying to ask a guy to move up two weight classes to heavyweight and take on the greatest of all time… There’s still tough guys to fight in the light heavyweight division.”
“I believe in moving up after you clean out divisions and this division wasn’t cleaned out yet.”
The Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira is no longer an option following Pereira’s loss to Magomed Ankalaev last time out.
Check out Dana White’s thoughts below.
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