UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has highlighted his disdain for up-and-comers urging him to vacate his title.
Currently sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle, “Bones” is feeling the mounting pressure from his UFC peers, including interim title holder Tom Aspinall, who is eagerly eyeing a chance at the legitimate belt, whether or not Jones can make a timely return.
In a post made to X on December 4, Jones laid out his thoughts for all to hear:
I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. During camp for a title defense I sustained a major injury that required surgery for the first time in my career. Now I have newcomers requesting I get my championship stripped.
“Zero wins over legends, zero title defenses and already thinking you can call the shots to Dana [White], that’s hilarious. In my 15 year career I have seen so many guys who are supposed to be the next big thing. There’s ever only been one Jon Jones, never forget that.”
Jones on X, Dec 4 2023
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Jones was most likely responding to remarks made by Aspinall, who was recently calling for a legitimate title fight with Stipe Miocic. Speaking to Michael Bisping on November 17, Aspinall urged the UFC to strip Jones of his title:
“I think Jon Jones should be stripped from the title, to be honest, because everyone else does when they get injured like that.”
Unfortunately for Aspinall, Dana White is dead-set on making the Jones vs. Miocic matchup again in 2024. While numerous fans and pundits foresee a double-retirement following the contest, any existing animosity that could ignite an Aspinall vs. Jones matchup in the meantime might entice “Bones” to give it one last shot.
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