UFC President Dana White has voiced a concerning sentiment regarding the potential super-fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
UFC officials have been attempting to finalize a historic heavyweight title unification bout between the two fighters since last November.
Jones` demand for a significant payment (“F**K YOU MONEY“) to unify the titles was an obstacle many believed would prevent the fight, but the UFC has agreed to his terms.
Frustratingly, this major clash has not yet materialized, as Jones has publicly considered retirement.
And White concedes that the fate of the fight ultimately depends on the former long-time light-heavyweight champion.
When questioned about a potential surprise fight between Jones and former champion Francis Ngannou, White asserted, “It’s Aspinall’s fight.
“I mean, we’ve been discussing this with Jon for a long time, and the fight is there for him.
“Look, you cannot force someone to fight. If Jon doesn’t want to fight, you can’t make him fight.
“We can try to incentivize him to fight, but we will find a solution.”
According to White, the former pound-for-pound king Jones “AGREED” to postpone retirement and face the British fighter Aspinall.
“Jon Jones agreed to take the fight,” he confirmed. “Jon Jones was presented with the offer and accepted it. Yes, Jon agreed to fight Tom.”
“You have heard me say for a long time, ‘I guarantee this fight will happen. This fight is going to happen.’”
“You told me about all the crazy things happening on Instagram and elsewhere, but yes, I have consistently stated that Jon is going to fight Tom.”
White has received numerous calls – including a petition signed by 200,000 people – demanding that Jones be stripped of his heavyweight title.
However, Jones recently suggested he might give up the belt voluntarily before it is taken from him, stating: “I discussed my future plans with the UFC a long time ago.
“I haven’t really trained since my last fight in New York City.
“Honestly, I believe it has been in the UFC’s best interest to continue presenting me as the company’s champion – rather than Tom.
“I’ve simply been acting as the company man by doing nothing… and holding onto the position.
“And truthfully, it has been incredibly profitable.
“I’ve made more money from Tom being the interim champion than Tom has himself.
“It’s unfortunate to see the rest of the division stalled like this, but that is not my responsibility. I am not calling the shots.
“And remember, you cannot strip a fighter like me at this stage; I would relinquish the belt willingly. Veni, vidi, vici.”
Jones has not competed since his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden at UFC 309 last November.
Meanwhile, interim champion Aspinall has been inactive since his rapid victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.
Elton Marrow