UFC superstar Jon Jones has revealed that he would be open to vacating the world heavyweight championship if he defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The American will defend his belt against the former two-time title holder as speculation abounds that both competitors could retire after the bout.
After a captivating MMA career, the future of “Bones” in the octagon has been the subject to widespread debate after his admission after UFC 306 that he could bring his career to a close. Having earned the heavyweight title following his win over Ciryl Gane on his debut in the weight division, Miocic now poses a major test for Jones.
Despite his remarks over his potential retirement, the 37-year-old remains in demand as a potential opponent – with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall having issued a callout to the veteran recently. However, it seems that Jones has other ideas when it comes to his plans moving forward.
Speaking before UFC 309, the New Yorker instead floated the idea of vacating the heavyweight championship in favor of pursuing a new chapter. He said: “I can see myself, after, entertaining super fights only. If we get a dominant performance, I’m prepared to vacate the heavyweight championship and fight for fun.
“Maybe I didn’t phrase it right. The truth is he [Tom Aspinall] does deserve many great things in his life. I wish him to have a magnificent UFC career. I really do. I have nothing personal against Tom… It’s not about what Tom deserves or don’t deserve, I believe it’s what I do deserve.”
“His fans have been so annoying, and obviously don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans and whatnot, but he’s just an a——. You know, he’s 30, so he’s from this influencer generation where you hop online and with t-shirt sales and all that. I’m past that kind of stuff.”
“I’m like, bro if you had a little bit more respect, then maybe we could have worked something out, but I just don’t want to do business with him. At the end of the day, this is a business, and fighting me gives him the chance to change his life forever, and I don’t want to give him the opportunity. He played his cards wrong with me personally.”
He added: “I’m three years from being a 40-year-old grown man – you know, going through a press conference with him, the whole shebang- it’s something I’d rather not do. Now, Pereira, on the other side – respectfully, cool, barely says much – I’ll do business with you.”
