Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, has officially announced his next opponent: Stipe Miocic, reported by Bleacher Report. In a statement made recently, Jones made it crystal clear that he is committed to facing Miocic upon his return to the Octagon, despite other potential matchups on the horizon.
Addressing his plans for his next fight, Jones emphasized his intention to stick to his original plans and face Miocic, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in UFC history. Jones expressed his admiration for Miocic’s achievements and dedication to the sport, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent worthy of his attention.
What Jon Jones said
Jones said: “I’m in the middle of a pretty clear decision… stick to exact and original plans, and fight the man with all the accolades. Or, completely disregard all of the Stipe training I’ve put in and fight another potential hype train that may not even be around in three years.
“I am not changing my plans for anyone. Stipe is over there as the best heavyweight ever working his ass off. I’m gonna give that man what he wants, and I’m going to claim another head. Whatever comes next comes next.”
While Jones reaffirmed his commitment to facing Miocic, he also acknowledged the presence of Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, as a potential challenger. Aspinall, at 31 years old, has been making waves in the UFC with an impressive record of 14-3 overall and 7-1 in the UFC. Despite his credentials, Jones remains steadfast in his decision to prioritize a bout with Miocic.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jones was originally slated to face Miocic at UFC 295 in November 2023, but a torn pectoral tendon forced Jones to withdraw from the fight. Since then, Jones has been focused on his recovery while Miocic awaits his return to the Octagon. With both fighters eager to settle the score, anticipation for their long-awaited showdown continues to build.
Aspinall, meanwhile, is preparing to defend his interim title, with speculation suggesting a potential matchup at UFC 304. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next opponent, Aspinall remains determined to assert his dominance in the heavyweight division. Expressing a desire to face Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall aims to avenge his previous loss and solidify his status as a top contender.
While Jones remains committed to facing Miocic, his return to the Octagon depends on his ongoing rehabilitation from injury. Although there is no clear timeline for his comeback, Jones has begun the initial stages of preparing for his next fight. As he continues to work towards regaining full fitness, Jones remains focused on his ultimate goal: reclaiming his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
As Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic prepare to face off in the Octagon, the excitement reaches it’s pinnacle among MMA fans. With Jones’ unwavering determination to honor his commitment to Miocic, fans can expect an epic fight between two of the sport’s most legendary figures. As the countdown to their highly anticipated clash begins, the world watches with held breath, eager to witness history in the making in the UFC heavyweight division.
