Jon Jones may battle Tom Aspinall. For a value.
The UFC heavyweight champion recorded his first profitable protection of that title Saturday at UFC 309, walloping Stipe Miocic in the principle occasion en path to a third-round knockout of the longer term Corridor of Famer. Jones’ efficiency proved he’s nonetheless among the finest pound-for-pound fighters on this planet, which leaves him with loads of choices for his subsequent battle.
Because the promotion’s interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall looks as if the logical alternative, however Jones has steadily shut down the suggestion that he’s below any obligation to battle the British star. Throughout battle week, Jones went so far as to say that Aspinall is “an asshole” and that’s why he refuses to work with him.
Jones was requested to elaborate on that stance on the UFC 309 post-fight presser.
“He’s annoying to me,” Jones stated. “He’s annoying to me and that’s my very own private—he annoys me. I get it you guys discover it entertaining, however I discover him annoying. I simply don’t like him and on the finish of the day, if I give him the chance to battle me, I wish to be so compensated-I wish to say it, I need that ‘f*ck you’ cash, actually. That’s simply what it’s.
“Or else my life is ideal with out him. I don’t want him in any respect and he wants me and that’s a superb place to be in a negotiation.”
Jones didn’t give the vary of compensation that may persuade him to battle Aspinall, solely saying that it’s “a really, very excessive quantity.”
After including one other spectacular win to his all-time nice legacy, Jones feels he’s in charge of this chapter of his profession. He prefers a battle with present mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, however UFC CEO Dana White not too long ago shot that down saying he’d like to see Jones fight Aspinall first.
Jones insists {that a} superfight with Pereira is the best way to go.
“I’m not likely anxious in regards to the Tom battle,” Jones stated. “I’m actually anxious in regards to the Pereira battle. That’s what I wish to do. I feel if the UFC needs to have me again, then I feel that’s the battle they’ll make. I’ve been actually clear about my intentions. That’s what I need.
“I simply really feel like anyone would perceive at this level. Like, I’ll retire the heavyweight belt if I’ve to. Give the man what he needs on the finish of the day. I’m not speaking about Dana straight. I wish to take what I discover to be superfights. I don’t wish to battle harmful up-and-comers anymore. I wish to battle harmful established champions. So Tom can have the heavyweight championship, I don’t actually care about it. My worth doesn’t lie in belts anymore. I’ve created one thing greater. I need Pereira.”
Pereira had among the finest years in MMA historical past, defending his mild heavyweight title with three memorable knockouts and creating a popularity for being the UFC’s go-to man when it got here to discovering a headliner on less-than-ideal discover. “Poatan” has additionally recommended he’d wish to battle Jones.
Ought to Jones not get his manner, he’s pleased to take his ball and go dwelling.
“Types make matchups,” Jones stated. “I’m positive Pereira’s knocked out many heavyweights in his day. He has knockout energy that’s greater than weight. Pereira’s particular and for me, it might simply be price my whereas combating towards Pereira. Individuals can name me ‘a duck’ and ‘a rooster,’ I’m going to go dwelling and money a large examine. The duck and rooster factor is type of humorous.
“That’s type of what I need and if it doesn’t line up, then professing my love for Jesus in entrance of all people tonight and telling the world how proud I’m to be an American champion and combating in entrance of [President Elect Donald Trump], man, if that was my final battle ever than I’m cool with that. That was the one to do it. … I feel one of many actually good issues about negotiating is being prepared to stroll away from a deal and that’s the deal that I need. If that’s not what the followers need, then I assume I’ll say, ‘Sayonara.’”
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