UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been sidelined since tearing a pectoral tendon whereas getting ready to tackle former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic final November. Recovered sufficient to be again within the gymnasium coaching, Jones is anticipated to satisfy Miocic later this yr.
If he wins, Jones may have selections to make. He might name it a profession and stroll away. He might tackle interim champion Tom Aspinall in a unification bout, or he might face gentle heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira in a brilliant struggle.
Final week, Jones wrote on social media {that a} struggle in opposition to Pereira could be ‘huge’ and ‘the most important struggle in MMA historical past.’ On Thursday, Jones reiterated that he is combating Miocic in his return however was uncertain who he’ll face after that.
“I’m in the course of a fairly clear determination… persist with actual and authentic plans, and struggle the person with all of the accolades. Or, utterly disregard the entire Stipe coaching I’ve put in and struggle one other potential hype practice that won’t even be round in three years,” Jones wrote on X. “I’m not altering my plans for anybody. Stipe is over there as the perfect heavyweight ever working his ass off. I’m gonna give that man what he needs, and I’m going to assert one other head. No matter comes subsequent comes subsequent.”
I’m in the course of a fairly clear determination… persist with actual and authentic plans, and struggle the person with all of the accolades. Or, utterly disregard the entire Stipe coaching I’ve put in and struggle one other potential hype practice that won’t even be round in three years. I’m not…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) Could 9, 2024
In comply with up posts, Jones focused Aspinall and ‘UK followers.’ He additionally did not assume there wanted to be an interim title created.
“UFC is a superb firm, did what they needed to do to save lots of the occasion. However I do agree with you, it undoubtedly confused a bunch of UK followers, received them entitled pondering their boy actually is the champion. It jogs my memory of when DC was the “champion” throughout my absence,” Jones replied to a remark criticizing the creation of interim champion.
UFC is a superb firm, did what they needed to do to save lots of the occasion. However I do agree with you, it undoubtedly confused a bunch of UK followers, received them entitled pondering their boy actually is the champion. It jogs my memory of when DC was the “champion” throughout my absence. https://t.co/UXbx7LMboG
— BONY (@JonnyBones) Could 9, 2024
“I used to be speaking about retirement after Stipe method earlier than there was an intern champion introduced. I’d actually be in the identical actual place if Sergei would had one (received),” Jones wrote in one other publish. “I really like how the UK have satisfied themselves I’m afraid of their intern champion, opens me as much as a complete new fan base. All of them know who the precise champion is.”