Dana White Confirms Jon Jones' Next Fight Will Be Against Tom Aspinall, Not Pereira

Dana White: Jon Jones' Next Fight Will Be Against Tom Aspinall, Not Alex Pereira

After UFC President Dana White’s comments this week, it’s official: Jon Jones’ next opponent will not be Alex Pereira — it will be Tom Aspinall.

In an appearance on "The Jim Rome Show" Thursday, White addressed the rumors swirling around Jones’ future after UFC 309. He confirmed that, if Jones successfully defends his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, the next fight on the horizon would be a showdown with Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion.

“It’s not going to be Pereira,” White said. “Pereira was a middleweight who moved up to light heavyweight, and while he’s a great fighter, he’s not at the level of Jon Jones. Jones is bigger and has superior wrestling — Pereira just isn’t on his level.”

Jon Jones' Superfight Hopes Crushed

Jon Jones, however, had been vocal about his desire to face Pereira in a superfight. The current heavyweight champion had repeatedly called for a bout with Pereira, who recently made waves by moving up to light heavyweight after dominating the middleweight division and transitioning from kickboxing to MMA.

Jones had even suggested that if the fight with Pereira didn’t materialize, he might walk away from the UFC. “If they don’t want the fight with Pereira, I’ll just move on with my life,” Jones said earlier in the week. “It’s either that, or you can get one more superfight — and that’s with Alex Pereira.”

Despite the hype surrounding a potential clash, it seems White and the UFC brass aren’t on board with the idea, at least not for now.

UFC 309: First, Jones Must Defend His Title

Jon Jones' immediate focus is on his upcoming title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, scheduled for this Saturday at Madison Square Garden. If Jones successfully retains his heavyweight belt, White confirmed that a fight with Tom Aspinall would follow.

Despite his outspoken attitude toward Aspinall, Jones will have little choice if he wants to continue fighting in the UFC. White hinted that Jones’ competitive spirit would eventually drive him to take on the rising star: “Jon will do what he does on Saturday; if he wins, he’ll disappear for a while, but then that competitive spirit will come back, and money will talk. If he doesn’t retire, he will absolutely, positively fight Tom Aspinall.”

Jones' Legacy and the Aspinall Showdown

White defended Jones against claims that he’s trying to duck Aspinall. “Jon Jones doesn’t duck anyone,” White said, acknowledging that Jones, at 37 or 38 years old, has fought the best in the world for years and has never avoided a challenge.

The UFC President also acknowledged Jones’ unique position in the sport: “Jon has fought everyone. He’s a legend, and he’s earned the right to call his shots. But if he’s sticking around, Tom Aspinall will be his next fight.”

A Big Test Ahead for Jones

Jon Jones enters UFC 309 as the overwhelming favorite, with betting odds giving him an 86% chance to win against Miocic. If Jones successfully defends his title, the showdown with Aspinall will be one of the most anticipated fights in the heavyweight division. But, of course, that all hinges on his performance in the cage this Saturday.

If Jones does lose, though, the entire scenario could be up in the air, and the fight with Aspinall might never come to fruition.