If Jon Jones sticks round past his upcoming matchup in opposition to Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, then he’s obtained designs on a possible struggle in opposition to a reigning champion however not the one you would possibly suppose.
With rumors of retirement swirling round his return on Nov. 16, the now 37-year-old heavyweight champion doesn’t have something left to show in terms of his accomplishments within the sport. That’s why Jones isn’t focused on simply preventing anyone at this stage of his profession however there’s a sure Brazilian knockout artist who’s captured his consideration recently.
“If there have been to be a struggle of a man that’s nonetheless on our UFC roster that might be not solely financially value it however legacy value it, it will be Alex Pereira,” Jones told Kevin Iole forward of UFC 309. “Alex Pereira and I, we’re each 37 years outdated. Proper now I weigh about 235 [pounds]. I’m an extremely gentle heavyweight. I feel Pereira walks round at 240.
“I feel that struggle would go a lot farther on my legacy than a younger man who’s cool at this time and perhaps gone tomorrow.”
In his quick time since becoming a member of the UFC roster, Pereira already claimed titles throughout two totally different weight lessons and he’s scored wins over 5 former UFC champions. He’s at the moment using a five-fight win streak with 4 knockouts alongside the way in which whereas changing into arguably one of many largest stars in teh sport.
In the meantime, the “younger man” in query is UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who is anticipated to be in attendance at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York when Jones defends his belt in opposition to Miocic in the primary occasion.
Aspinall has requested quite a few instances for the possibility to face Jones since defeating Sergei Pavlovich to say the interim title however his calls have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Whereas he’s stated lately that he hopes that the winner within the UFC 309 essential occasion sticks round lengthy sufficient to unify the titles, Aspinall in all probability gained’t be thrilled to listen to what Jones needed to say about that potential matchup.
“Greater than probably not [fighting Tom Aspinall],” Jones revealed. “I really feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don’t need to say no one, however he simply hasn’t confirmed something. He hasn’t achieved something. I perceive that he gained his belt in opposition to Sergei [Pavlovich]. Sergei simply obtained slaughtered by [Alexander Volkov]. I’m not right here to gamble another person making a reputation off of me.
“I’m right here to compete in opposition to the fellows after we look again 10 years from now like ‘Jon Jones fought this man and that man and this legend and this champion and this champion.’”
As spectacular as Aspinall has been throughout his UFC marketing campaign with an 8-1 file general and all of his wins coming by knockout or submission inside the primary two rounds, Jones simply doesn’t see a large enough physique of labor to make it value his time to hunt out that struggle.
All through his 16-year UFC profession, Jones has witnessed loads of extremely touted prospects come and go and he’s simply not focused on sticking round to face the subsequent huge factor.
“I keep in mind a time when the entire world thought Johnny Walker was going to be the man to beat me,” Jones stated. “No disrespect for Johnny Walker however we’ve all see the way in which his profession has performed out.
“I’ve simply been right here too lengthy to get all enthusiastic about somebody who’s scorching at this time. I’m right here for legacy. I’ve been playing for too lengthy to only take random fights.”
