As UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones gears up for his first title defence against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, his focus appears to be firmly set on more than just his current opponent. Rumours and anticipation have surrounded a potential showdown with interim titleholder Tom Aspinall, but Jones has made it clear he doesn’t see the British fighter as a worthy contender—at least not yet.
In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Jones voiced his opinion on Aspinall’s standing in the heavyweight division.
Jon Jones Dismisses Tom Aspinall’s Credibility, Wants UFC Champion Alex Pereira
“More than likely not. I feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don’t want to say ‘nobody,’ but he just hasn’t proven anything,” Jones stated candidly when asked about a possible matchup with Aspinall.
Jones didn’t hold back in pointing out what he considers a lack of accomplishments on Aspinall’s part, highlighting his recent win over Sergei Pavlovich as insufficient for a title unification bout.
“He hasn’t done anything – I understand that he won his belt against Sergei, Sergei just got slaughtered by someone else,” Jones remarked.
The reigning heavyweight champion is motivated by more than just victories—his goal is to leave a legacy facing fighters with storied careers and established reputations. “I’m not here to gamble someone else making a name off of me,” he said, emphasizing his desire for opponents that bring prestige to his record. “I’m here to compete against the guys where when we look back 10 years from now, ‘Jon Jones fought this guy, that guy, this legend, this champion…’”
Jones vs. Pereira?
When asked about future fights, Jones didn’t hesitate to name his ideal opponent, directing attention to a current UFC star with both financial and historical appeal.
“If there were to be a fight of a guy that’s still on our UFC roster, that would be not only financially worth it, but legacy worth it. It would be Alex Pereira,” he revealed.
Pereira, who recently defended his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307, seems to be Jones’ favoured choice for a high-stakes, legacy-defining clash. For Jones, Pereira’s skill and established reputation as a champion make him a compelling adversary—a matchup Jones believes would leave an indelible mark on his career.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
