If Jon Jones sticks round past his upcoming matchup in opposition to Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, then he’s acquired designs on a possible combat in opposition to a reigning champion however not the one you would possibly assume.
With rumors of retirement swirling round his return on Nov. 16, the now 37-year-old heavyweight champion doesn’t have something left to show in relation to his accomplishments within the sport. That’s why Jones isn’t concerned about simply combating anyone at this stage of his profession however there’s a sure Brazilian knockout artist who’s captured his consideration these days.
“If there have been to be a combat of a man that’s nonetheless on our UFC roster that may be not solely financially price it however legacy price it, it will be Alex Pereira,” Jones told Kevin Iole forward of UFC 309. “Alex Pereira and I, we’re each 37 years outdated. Proper now I weigh about 235 [pounds]. I’m an extremely mild heavyweight. I feel Pereira walks round at 240.
“I feel that combat would go a lot farther on my legacy than a younger man who’s cool right now and perhaps gone tomorrow.”
In his brief time since becoming a member of the UFC roster, Pereira already claimed titles throughout two completely different weight lessons and he’s scored wins over 5 former UFC champions. He’s at the moment driving a five-fight win streak with 4 knockouts alongside the best way whereas turning into arguably one of many greatest stars in teh sport.
In the meantime, the “younger man” in query is UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who is predicted to be in attendance at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York when Jones defends his belt in opposition to Miocic in the primary occasion.
Aspinall has requested quite a few instances for the possibility to face Jones since defeating Sergei Pavlovich to say the interim title however his calls have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Whereas he’s stated not too long ago that he hopes that the winner within the UFC 309 foremost occasion sticks round lengthy sufficient to unify the titles, Aspinall in all probability gained’t be thrilled to listen to what Jones needed to say about that potential matchup.
“Greater than seemingly not [fighting Tom Aspinall],” Jones revealed. “I really feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don’t wish to say no one, however he simply hasn’t confirmed something. He hasn’t achieved something. I perceive that he gained his belt in opposition to Sergei [Pavlovich]. Sergei simply acquired slaughtered by [Alexander Volkov]. I’m not right here to gamble another person making a reputation off of me.
“I’m right here to compete in opposition to the blokes once we look again 10 years from now like ‘Jon Jones fought this man and that man and this legend and this champion and this champion.’”
As spectacular as Aspinall has been throughout his UFC marketing campaign with an 8-1 file total and all of his wins coming by knockout or submission inside the primary two rounds, Jones simply doesn’t see a sufficiently big physique of labor to make it price his time to hunt out that combat.
All through his 16-year UFC profession, Jones has witnessed loads of extremely touted prospects come and go and he’s simply not concerned about sticking round to face the subsequent massive factor.
“I keep in mind a time when the entire world thought Johnny Walker was going to be the man to beat me,” Jones stated. “No disrespect for Johnny Walker however we’ve all see the best way his profession has performed out.
“I’ve simply been right here too lengthy to get all enthusiastic about somebody who’s scorching right now. I’m right here for legacy. I’ve been playing for too lengthy to only take random fights.”
Trending Merchandise
