Sees Miocic as Worthy Opponent, Open to One More Fight

With a long-awaited bout against Stipe Miocic finally happening, Jon Jones has hinted he might be open to one more fight to solidify his legacy after UFC 309. Scheduled for November 16, this clash will see Jones defend his heavyweight title against Miocic, a matchup that was originally set to take place last year before Jones sustained an injury. Now, both legends are ready to meet, with Jones expressing admiration for his opponent in a recent interview with Kevin Iole.

“Stipe is an extremely worthy opponent. What he has done is truly special,” Jones explained, emphasizing his respect for the former champion. “I want to give the man a chance; for many athletes, it’s a big deal to fight me. If anyone deserves to be in there with me, it’s Stipe Miocic.”

Jones Shrugs Off Criticism Over Miocic’s Title Shot

Despite the excitement surrounding the fight, critics have questioned Miocic’s eligibility for a title shot, given his inactivity. The 42-year-old’s last fight was a loss to Francis Ngannou on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260, and some fans have called for Jones to face a more active contender, like interim champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall is not only next in line but also serves as the official replacement for UFC 309, ready to step in if either Jones or Miocic cannot compete.

But Jones is unbothered by the critics. Instead, he dismisses the idea of fighting Aspinall altogether, noting,

“Probably not. I feel that Tom Aspinall hasn’t proven anything; he hasn’t done anything,” he said. “I’m not here to take a chance and give someone else the opportunity to make a name off my back.”

Eyes on Legacy: Jones Wants Big Names, Not Aspinall

For Jones, maintaining his legacy means choosing opponents who contribute to his status as the greatest of all time, and he sees little value in a bout with Aspinall. Instead, he has his sights set on a different potential opponent if he defeats Miocic. Jones suggested that Alex Pereira, former middleweight champion and now a top light heavyweight, could be a compelling choice for his next and possibly final fight in the UFC. Pereira’s recent move to the light heavyweight division and his kickboxing pedigree make him a unique and dangerous contender.

“If there were to be a fight with a guy who’s still on our UFC roster who would not only be financially worth it but legacy worth it, it would be Alex Pereira,” Jones stated, adding, “I think that fight would do more for my legacy than a young man (Aspinall) who looks good today but could be gone tomorrow. I remember a time when the whole world thought Johnny Walker was going to be the one to beat me, and we’ve all seen how his career has gone.”

Jones’s comments suggest a clear vision for the twilight of his career: face legendary fighters who elevate his legacy and avoid risking his reputation against less-established challengers.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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