Jon Jones has commented on social media after reports surfaced claiming his highly anticipated fight against Tom Aspinall has been “agreed upon.”
This significant heavyweight title unification bout, pitting the interim champion against the undisputed champion, has been discussed since last November.
Credit: GETTY
Credit: GETTY
Jones had publicly demanded a significant payment for the fight, which cast considerable doubt on it happening. However, it`s believed that UFC management has now agreed to his financial terms.
This week, former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen stated that the fight was finalized and a date had been set.
Shortly after Sonnen`s announcement, the Hall of Famer Jones posted on social media, though his post did not mention the fight itself.
The 37-year-old fighter shared a video expressing gratitude to Donald Trump for a Presidential challenge coin he received as a gift.
He stated: “Oh, I love this, guys. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Some of the most beautiful skies and beautiful views.”
“Speaking about beauty, I wanted to give a shoutout to our 45th and 47th President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, for giving me this beautiful challenge coin.”
“I`ve had the privilege to meet some pretty amazing American people and I`ve got these coins for some of our country`s best.”
“But this one tops them all, sent directly from the President Himself to my mailbox. A great honour.”
Credit: INSTAGRAM@JONNYBONES
“Thank you for this beautiful gift, it will be mounted in the house.”
Just hours after Jones` video, Sonnen retracted his earlier claim, stating instead that Aspinall would now face Ciryl Gane in a second defense of the interim title.
Aspinall, aged 32, hinted at an upcoming fight announcement last weekend, stating on his YouTube channel: “I know everyone wants fight news.”
“But I do know what’s happening now.”
“I have been sworn to secrecy for a little bit, so stay tuned.”
“But there will be news coming, hopefully very soon.”
Despite UFC President Dana White`s assurance that the fight will eventually happen, MMA fans are increasingly skeptical.
White stated late last year: “I’ll say 100 per cent [that it happens in 2025].”
“100 per cent. I think it’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history.”
“And it’s massive in the history of the company, too. It’s a big fight.”
Jones, the former pound-for-pound king, has been inactive since his decisive spinning-back kick victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November in New York.
Meanwhile, the British fighter Aspinall has been sidelined since his quick 60-second win against Curtis Blaydes in their rematch at UFC 304 last July.
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Elton Marrow