Jon Jones is predicted to face Stipe Miocic earlier than the top of 2024, with Dana White not too long ago stating that the winner will step into the Octagon in opposition to Tom Aspinall to unify the UFC heavyweight championship.
Jones has been out of motion since successful the heavyweight title in opposition to Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Though Aspinall has gained and defended the interim title, “Bones” remains to be the official champion and holds a stable #3 rating within the pound-for-pound checklist.
“Bones” has repeatedly talked about contemplating retirement after the Miocic struggle as nicely. One former UFC champ, nevertheless, thinks this transfer could possibly be detrimental to his legacy…
Michael Bisping Claims Jon Jones Would Lose Followers If He Retires With out Preventing Tom Aspinall
Michael Bisping not too long ago mentioned the way forward for the UFC heavyweight division on his official YouTube channel. The winner of Jones vs. Miocic is predicted to face Aspinall subsequent, and early odds favor the interim champ.
“The Depend” claimed that regardless of his GOAT standing as a lightweight heavyweight, Jones’ inactivity at heavyweight makes him an underdog in opposition to Aspinall. However the former UFC middleweight kingpin additionally highlighted that his opponent’s lack of preventing expertise may gain advantage Jones, who boasts a report 15 UFC title wins.
“He hasn’t obtained the in-ring time, he hasn’t obtained the expertise, the struggle IQ of a Jon Jones.”
Bisping’s different concern is relating to Jones’ will to struggle after the Miocic struggle. The choice is essentially depending on his efficiency, and within the eyes of “The Depend,” retiring with out unifying the heavyweight title wouldn’t sit nicely with loads of followers.
Jones vs. Aspinall has been a extremely anticipated struggle for over a 12 months now. Whereas the Brit has been respectfully ready for the chance, many assume that “Bones” is avoiding the Aspinall struggle as a result of greater threat of shedding.
Bisping believes such narratives will solely get stronger if the UFC heavyweight champion retires after his subsequent scheduled struggle.
“It will suck. Not solely would it not suck, however it could even be not one of the best transfer for Jon Jones when it comes to fan appreciation. The narrative would at all times be that he was ducking Tom Aspinall.”
