Jon Jones says it’s “greater than seemingly” he won’t battle Tom Aspinall if he continues his UFC profession – saying he would quite tackle Alex Pereira.
American Jones, 37, defends his heavyweight title in opposition to Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on 16 November in New York, however has not too long ago hinted at retirement.
Manchester fighter Aspinall is the interim champion and can be back-up fighter at UFC 309, however Jones has dismissed the opportunity of an imminent match-up ought to he proceed to battle.
“I really feel like Tom Aspinall is, I do not need to say no one, however he simply hasn’t confirmed something. He hasn’t finished something,” Jones advised Kevin Iole., external
“I am not right here to gamble another person making a reputation off of me.”
Jones recommended he would tackle two-weight champion and present light-heavyweight title holder Pereira if he continued his octagon profession.
An extended-time champion at light-heavyweight, Jones believes the Brazilian could be the right “legacy” battle.
“If there have been to be a battle of a man that is nonetheless on our UFC roster that might be not solely financially price it however legacy price it, it will be Alex Pereira,” Jones advised Iole.
“Alex Pereira and I, we’re each 37 years previous. Proper now I weigh about 235lb.
“I’m an extremely mild heavyweight. I believe Pereira walks round at 240lb.
“I believe that battle would go a lot farther on my legacy than a younger man who’s cool right this moment and perhaps gone tomorrow.”
The feedback come after UFC president Dana White mentioned he believed the winner of Jones versus Miocic would need to battle Aspinall.
Miocic, 42, is the underdog in opposition to Jones, regardless of being a two-time heavyweight champion.
“Simply competitively, the way in which that these guys are wired and the explanation that they’re each huge legends within the sport, they’re not going to only trip off into the sundown with out settling the dispute with Tom Aspinall,” White advised TNT Sports., external
