Dana White, the head of the UFC, has made a concerning statement regarding the proposed super-fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
UFC officials have been working to finalize a historic heavyweight title unification bout between the two fighters since November of last year.
Jones` demand for significant financial compensation to unify the belts was seen as a potential obstacle, but UFC officials have agreed to his terms.
This massive potential bout, frustratingly, has not materialized yet because Jones has publicly considered retirement.
White acknowledges that the fight`s future ultimately depends on the former long-time light-heavyweight champion.
When asked about a potential surprise fight between Jones and former champion Francis Ngannou, White firmly stated: “It’s Aspinall’s fight.”
“I mean, we’ve been discussing this with him for a long time, and the opportunity is there for this fight,” White continued.
“Look, you can`t force people to fight. If Jon doesn`t want to fight, you can`t make him.
“We can try to encourage him, we can offer incentives to motivate him, but we’ll figure something out.”
According to White, Jones, the former pound-for-pound king, “AGREED” to postpone retirement for a fight against British fighter Aspinall.
“Jon Jones agreed to the fight,” he stated. “Jon was offered the deal and accepted it. Yes, Jon agreed to fight Tom.”
“You’ve heard me saying for a while now, `I guarantee this fight is going to happen. This fight will happen.`”
“You mentioned the speculation everywhere, but yes, I’ve consistently said Jon will fight Tom.”
White has faced numerous calls, including a petition signed by 200,000 people, demanding Jones be stripped of his heavyweight title.
However, Jones recently suggested he might give up the belt before it`s taken, 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’s been in the UFC’s best interest to continue presenting me as the company’s champion, not Tom.
“I’ve simply been playing the role of the company man by being inactive… and holding the position.
“And truthfully, it’s been very profitable.
“I’ve made more money from Tom being the interim champion than he has himself.
“It’s frustrating to see the rest of the division stalled like this, but that’s not my doing. I’m not controlling things.
“And remember, you can’t strip a fighter like me at this stage. I would relinquish the belt freely. Veni, vidi, vici.”
Jones` last fight was his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden at UFC 309 last November.
Meanwhile, interim champion Aspinall has been waiting since his quick victory over Curtis Blaydes in 60 seconds at UFC 304 last July.
Percy Harlow