Jon Jones Prioritizes Alex Pereira

In a passionate address to his fans, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has made it clear that while he acknowledges the calls for him to face interim champion Tom Aspinall, he is prioritizing a fight with Alex Pereira instead. Jones, who is set to defend his title this Saturday against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, is focused on his legacy and the challenges that matter most to him.

The Challenge Ahead

Coming back from a hiatus of three and a half years, Miocic, at 42 years old, faces a daunting task. As a substantial favorite in the matchup, Jones has emphasized the importance of this title defense, which he views as a pivotal point in his career. "This fight is about legacy," Jones stated. "Miocic is regarded as the greatest heavyweight of all time, and to unify titles with him is significant."

Fans Call for Aspinall Showdown

The clamoring for a showdown with Aspinall comes from fans eager to see Jones fight the young, interim champion who is widely considered to be a formidable opponent. However, Jones has pushed back against the narrative that he is "ducking" Aspinall, arguing that he has never even been in negotiations for a bout with him. “You can’t duck a man you were never scheduled to fight. It’s as if someone claims you were turned down by a girl when you never even approached her,” he contended.

Jones Reflects on His Legacy

Jones reflected on the criticism he received after beating fighters like Ciryl Gane and Glover Teixeira, both of whom were highly regarded in their time. He acknowledged that while fans view Aspinall as a strong contender due to his youth and size advantage, for Jones, defeating him would not significantly impact his legacy. "Beating Tom is akin to beating Ciryl Gane. It doesn’t change anything for me," he remarked.

The Appeal of Fighting Pereira

He posited that fighting Pereira, a two-division champion and an athlete of similar stature, is a more appealing option in terms of legacy and impact. “Why not fight someone like Pereira, who has incredible accolades and will enhance my legacy? That’s the fight that makes more business sense,” Jones explained.

The Future of Jones' Career

Looking ahead, the question remains: What if UFC president Dana White and the UFC executives insist on a match against Aspinall? Will Jones reconsider if they offer substantial incentives? For now, he appears resolute in his intentions, affirming that Pereira represents a greater challenge that aligns with his legacy aspirations.

Conclusion

“I get the excitement around Aspinall, but if I’m truly looking to be challenged, Pereira is the fight that makes sense,” Jones concluded, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what could potentially follow his matchup this weekend. As UFC 309 approaches, the MMA world is left wondering what the future holds for Jon Jones – one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. Will he stick to his guns, or will the allure of unifying the title lead him into the Octagon with Aspinall in the future? Only time will tell.