Aspinall or Ngannou – what next for Jones after epic UFC return?
Jon Jones announced his comeback to the UFC in style as he disposed of Stipe Miocic in just three rounds at UFC 309.
The American, 37, swept aside any concerns about age or ring rust following a 20-month lay-off because of injury.
Two-time heavyweight champion Miocic was no match for the superb Jones, who confirmed after his win he was not going to retire from MMA.
Jones had been hinting all UFC 309 fight week he might hang up the gloves but now appears set to continue.
So who could Jones fight next? Is Tom Aspinall the frontrunner, will Jones get his wish to fight Alex Pereira or could an unlikely match-up with Francis Ngannou happen?
Here are the contenders.
Tom Aspinall – the frontrunner
Interim heavyweight champion Aspinall is surely the frontrunner. The Manchester fighter was cage-side to see Jones’s return and has been pursuing an undisputed bout relentlessly for weeks.
Aspinall, 31, is probably the most risky of opponents for Jones, considering his age and abilities.
We do not know the ceiling of Aspinall’s capabilities just yet which makes him a dangerous prospect.
As interim champion, Jones will be expected to fight Aspinall next or he will likely be stripped of the heavyweight belt.
Jones did, however, suggest he wanted to “negotiate” with the UFC top brass about his next fight, hinting he may be keen to bank a bigger payday should he agree to fight Aspinall next.
UFC president Dana White thinks the fight would be massive and said Jones would be “well compensated”.
“It would be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history, by a long shot,” White said.
“I’ve got Tom waiting for me outside right now and Jon will be Jon. He will disappear, not only will you not hear what he’s doing, neither will I. But then he will resurface, he will call, and we will get it done.”
Alex Pereira
Light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira was on nobody’s lips as Jones’ potential next opponent until Jones himself starting touting the possibility in fight week.
Pereira, 37, is a big light-heavyweight but was also a UFC champion at middleweight.
The Brazilian would probably not be a popular choice among fans to begin with, even if Jones himself is keen on the idea.
“I want the Pereira fight, that’s what I want to do. I’ve been clear about my intentions, that’s what I want,” said Jones after beating Miocic.
“I feel I’m at a place now where I want to take super fights, I don’t want to fight dangerous up and comers anymore, I want to fight dangerous, established champions.”
Pereira has four knockout wins in a row and has been a sensation in the UFC since he joined in 2021, so it is unlikely fans would protest for too long about the match-up.
He is, however, an outside choice for Jones’ next fight, because White has said he is not keen on the idea.
Francis Ngannou
Ngannou was among those who posted about Jones’ victory over Miocic.
“Jones looked great out there tonight. Congrats Jonny boy. I see you,” he said.
When Jones was asked about Ngannou’s comments after the Miocic win he said: “I’m here to talk about people in the UFC.”
Ngannou is now with the PFL having previously been the UFC’s heavyweight champion.
The 38-year-old is probably never returning to the UFC following a very public falling out with White.
It means a cross-promotion deal must be agreed were we to see this fight next. That is probably as close to impossible as it gets in MMA with White vehemently against co-promoting with any other MMA promotions.
It will not stop people calling for the contest, however.
