Jon Jones Avoids Aspinall Confrontation, Uses Pereira As Shield!

Is Jon Jones using Alex Pereira to dodge a showdown with Tom Aspinall? The battle for the UFC heavyweight title is heating up, but with Dana White rejecting the Jones vs. Pereira fight over size, will Jones finally face the ultimate challenge—or is he running from it? Pereira’s rise and Aspinall’s title dreams are on the line as the drama unfolds. Who will Jones face next—and is it the fight fans REALLY want to see?

Jon Jones Delays Aspinall’s Title Dream with Strategic Remarks

In a surprising twist, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones appears to be avoiding a potential title bout with Tom Aspinall. Jones recently referenced Alex Pereira‘s callout to Aspinall from months ago, using Pereira as a way to sidestep the rising English contender. This became evident during Jones’ appearance on Full Send MMA, where the host brought up Gordon Ryan‘s thoughts on a potential fight between Aspinall and Pereira.

Jones Offers Neutral Verdict on Pereira vs. Aspinall Matchup

When asked about Gordon Ryan‘s suggestion of a Pereira vs. Aspinall fight, Jones confirmed the conversation but expressed doubt about the UFC pursuing it. He said, “I don’t know if that’s what the UFC wants to do. I’d be cool if they did fight. I don’t really have an opinion on it. You know, I’m just worried about what I’m going to do and how things are going with me in the UFC, how negotiations are going.” While Jones seemed open to the fight, his neutral stance reflects his focus on his own career rather than pushing for a matchup.

Jones Focuses on Pereira, Sidelines Aspinall’s Title Shot

Earlier, Jon Jones expressed clear interest in facing Alex Pereira next, calling him a “dangerous and established” fighter. This attention has somewhat sidelined Tom Aspinall‘s aspirations for a title shot. At 37 years old, Jones is considering how many fights he has left in his career and appears to be leaning toward exciting matchups like facing Pereira. Jones even went as far as saying that he’d be willing to retire the heavyweight belt if it meant securing this highly anticipated bout.

Dana White Rejects Jones vs. Pereira Over Size Disparity

Despite Jones’ enthusiasm, UFC President Dana White firmly opposed the idea of a Jones vs. Pereira heavyweight clash, citing the significant size difference between the two. White dismissed the matchup entirely, stating that Jones was “too big” for Pereira, effectively ruling out any possibility of the fight happening in the near future.

Pereira: A Superstar Opportunity for Jones’ Pay-Per-View Motivation

Jon Jones’ desire for a fight with Pereira is also fueled by the Brazilian’s rapid rise within the UFC. Pereira has become one of the most marketable fighters, helping elevate lackluster UFC cards earlier this year. Jones likely sees this potential superfight as a lucrative opportunity, one that could generate massive pay-per-view sales. His comments during the UFC 309 post-fight presser hinted at a willingness to retire if the UFC doesn’t provide the fights he wants, including a matchup with Pereira.

Veteran Opinions on Pereira vs. Jones

UFC veteran Paul Felder, however, dismissed the idea of a competitive battle between Jones and Pereira. Speaking on the Believe You Me podcast, Felder argued that despite Pereira’s growing reputation, fans likely already know how the fight would unfold, with Jones emerging victorious.

Conclusion: Aspinall vs. Pereira or Jones vs. Either?

With so many exciting matchups on the horizon, the question remains: Would fans rather see Tom Aspinall take on Alex Pereira, or would they prefer Jon Jones to face one of them? Given Jones’ position, the future of these potential bouts remains uncertain, but each option offers excitement, drama, and the potential for unforgettable moments in the UFC.