Dana White GUARANTEES Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall in 2025

A Historic Heavyweight Showdown Confirmed

UFC President Dana White has officially confirmed that Jon Jones will face Tom Aspinall in 2025. Following a UFC event in Tampa, White pledged that the undisputed heavyweight title will be contested between the reigning champion and the interim champion in what he described as “the biggest heavyweight fight in history.”

“Yes, I’m saying 100 percent [guaranteed]. 100 percent [it’s a priority]. I think it’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history, and it’s also a massive fight in the company’s history. It’s a big fight,” White said when asked about the anticipated clash.

The match-up is set to solidify the legacy of both fighters and is expected to draw immense interest from MMA fans worldwide.

The Road to Jones vs. Aspinall

Jon Jones captured the vacant UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 after Francis Ngannou departed the promotion. Jones was initially scheduled to defend his belt against Stipe Miocic later that year, but injuries delayed his return. Jones eventually fought Miocic at UFC 309 in 2024, securing a third-round TKO victory.

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall claimed the interim heavyweight title with a first-round finish over Sergei Pavlovich. Aspinall, known for his swift finishes, solidified his position as a top contender by defending the interim belt against Curtis Blaydes, again with a first-round stoppage. Despite his dominance, Jones was hesitant to face him, citing Aspinall’s lack of experience. Instead, Jones showed interest in a superfight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Aspinall refused to defend the interim belt further, asserting his right to challenge Jones for the undisputed title in his next bout. With White now guaranteeing the fight, fans are optimistic that Jones vs. Aspinall will finally happen.

Dana White GUARANTEES “100%” that Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall will happen 👀

🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/uZrcrU9DKs

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 15, 2024

Jones’s Reluctance and White’s Confidence

Jon Jones’s public statements about avoiding a fight with Aspinall sparked speculation about whether he was “ducking” the interim champion. However, White has consistently maintained that the fight would materialize.

“From day one, I’ve been confident that Jon Jones would take this fight. I mean, even before the Miocic fight, I said if he wins, there’s no way Jon doesn’t take this fight,” White stated. He added that Jones’s hesitation often plays out publicly but doesn’t align with his private stance.

“It’s weird. Let me tell you what’s weird about it. So those guys usually say that [stuff] behind the scenes and not publicly. Jon says that [stuff] publicly but not behind the scenes. Jon is a very unique individual to deal with,” White explained.

White dismissed the notion that Jones fears Aspinall, citing his track record of facing all comers throughout his career. He referred to the one exception—Jones’s decision to decline a short-notice fight against Chael Sonnen—as a misstep made by his team, not the fighter himself.

What’s Next?

With the fight now guaranteed, fans can look forward to the most anticipated heavyweight clash in UFC history. While the exact date remains unconfirmed, White’s assurance signals that negotiations are progressing smoothly.

This match-up promises to test both men’s skills and could redefine the future of the heavyweight division.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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