Reports indicate that a date has been finalized for the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
This significant unification bout, pitting the interim champion against the undisputed champion, has been a major topic of discussion since last November.
Jones` initial demands for substantial pay had put the fight in question, but the veteran fighter reportedly reached an agreement with the UFC leadership last month.
According to UFC analyst and former title challenger Chael Sonnen, the date for the eagerly awaited confrontation has now been set.
Speaking on a recent episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy, Sonnen stated: “I am confident enough to tell you the fight is done. That fight is agreed all the way down to the date. Jon Jones did NOT duck this fight. I wish he did, I’d love to bury him.”
Sonnen`s comments follow closely on the heels of Aspinall`s own hints about an impending announcement.
The British fighter mentioned in a video on his 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.”
Jones himself recently suggested an announcement was near, telling UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman that his bout with Aspinall would happen “soon”.
These updates align with UFC President Dana White`s previous assertion that the “biggest heavyweight fight” in the promotion`s history Will happen this year.
White told TNT Sports: “It’s going to happen. It’s done, but it’s not done. Not done enough to sit right here now and announce it and give you a date. But the fight’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of getting it signed now. If we pull this off and actually make the fight, announce it and start leading up to it. This will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.”
Long-time light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has not competed since his powerful spinning-back kick knockout victory. Aspinall, meanwhile, last fought where he swiftly defeated Curtis Blaydes in 60 seconds, avenging his earlier loss to the American.
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