Dana White wants to see fights between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, even with interim champion Tom Aspinall in the picture.
Aspinall claimed a share of the heavyweight title in November by defeating Sergei Pavlovic in just 69 seconds at UFC 295. The interim title fight was arranged because the undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones had to withdraw from a highly anticipated bout due to injury. Stipe Miocic was also recovering from an injury at the time.
As Jones is expected to be out of action until at least the first quarter of 2024, and both Jones and Miocic have stated that they are solely focused on fighting each other, Aspinall is not in the current title picture. According to White in an interview with TNT Sports, the heavyweight title fight won’t involve these individuals and Aspinall in the near future.
When asked about the possibility of Aspinall facing Jon Jones, White stated, “no.” He also mentioned that they have no intention of stripping Jon Jones of his title, recognizing him as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. White advised Aspinall to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to arise.
Jones’ potential return to the ring would mark his second fight since 2020. He secured a victory against Cyril Gane at UFC 285 to claim the vacant title, but that bout remains his only appearance as a heavyweight.
Aspinall also made a comeback from injury this year and captured the interim title by defeating Marcin Tybura and Pavlovic. Speculation has emerged regarding whether Aspinall should wait for the outcome of Jones vs. Miocic or defend his belt.
White commented, “It’s possible Aspinall may have another fight, I don’t know. We’ll see how things unfold next year, but a clash between Jones and Stipe is warranted. Jon Jones suffered an injury, which was beyond his control. I can’t say for sure. Let’s see what happens in 2024.”
“If Aspinall wishes to compete before the aforementioned fight, why not permit it? Why not let him retain it?” White expressed.
Miocic too has been absent for an extended period, having not competed since relinquishing the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021. At 41 years old, Miocic likely has only a few fights remaining, if not just one, before considering retirement.
White affirmed that Aspinall won’t be one of these opponents, at least not in the immediate future.
“Well, that’s not going to happen,” White stated. “Stipe, you need to understand this. When you consider Stipe’s achievements in this sport and his position in his career, he desires the Jon Jones fight. I understand that. It’s arguably the greatest heavyweight versus the greatest mixed martial artist. He desires that fight.”
“That’s a significant legacy match for both fighters. He was prepared for that fight, he took a step back temporarily, and now he’s going to fight Aspinall. Will it take place? [Miocic] It makes sense because Jones wants Jones and Jones wants Stipe,” White added.
Aspinall’s UFC record stands at 7-1, with his sole defeat stemming from an injury just 15 seconds into his match with Curtis Blaydes. If he opts to defend his interim belt, there are several potential challengers, including Blaydes and the undefeated Jaylton Almeida (set to face off in a top contender bout at UFC 299 on March 9).
Logically, Aspinall’s initial title defense would occur in his native England. White is excited about the prospect if Aspinall expresses an interest in defending his title.
“He’s a champion,” White declared. “He currently holds the title while Jon Jones is injured. If he wishes to defend the title, we will certainly support that.”
