UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has broken his silence, revealing that he’s currently in negotiations with the UFC for a potential return to the Octagon in 2025. The news comes just weeks after Jones’ dominant performance against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title.
🚨 Jon Jones says he’s currently in negotiations with the UFC for his next fight, and says he WILL be fighting in 2025 “more than likely” 👀
🎥 @TheSchmo312 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/gyzLxJOS17
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 24, 2024
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Jones provided insight into his current situation with the UFC. “Right now, the UFC and I are in talks to see what happens next,” Jones stated. “I’m back in the gym, I’m training, I feel really great. The team’s support, they’re right behind me, and we’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes our way”.
This update from Jones is particularly significant given the speculation surrounding his future in the sport. Following his victory over Miocic, many wondered if the 36-year-old would consider retirement or continue his illustrious career.
While Jones didn’t commit to a specific date or opponent, he did offer a promising timeline for his return. “I will be competing in 2025, more than likely,” Jones revealed. This statement has ignited excitement among MMA fans who are eager to see the pound-for-pound great back in action.
One name that looms large in discussions about Jones’ next fight is Tom Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight champion. Aspinall has been vocal about his desire to face Jones, and UFC President Dana White has previously indicated that the winner of Jones vs. Miocic would face Aspinall next.
Interestingly, Aspinall has also confirmed that he’s in negotiations with the UFC. “We are in negotiations right now is the honest answer,” Aspinall stated recently. “So we don’t know when the fight is gonna be, but I’ll be ready to go whenever”.
Jones has been known to drive a hard bargain when it comes to his fight purses, and this negotiation appears to be no different. When asked about his financial expectations, Jones remained tight-lipped. “There is [a money figure], but I’m not going to discuss that publicly. We’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
This stance aligns with Jones’ previous comments about wanting “f*ck you money” to face Aspinall. UFC commentator Jon Anik has speculated that Jones could be asking for a paycheck in the $20-25 million range.
While Aspinall seems to be the frontrunner for Jones’ next fight, other names have been floated as well. Jones has expressed interest in facing light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, though Dana White has dismissed this idea as “making no sense”.
Jones’ decision to continue fighting has significant implications for the UFC’s heavyweight landscape. His dominance in the division, coupled with his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time, makes any Jones fight a must-see event.
For Aspinall, a fight against Jones would represent the biggest challenge and opportunity of his career. The British heavyweight has been on a tear, with three consecutive first-round finishes, including a recent victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
As negotiations continue, the MMA world eagerly awaits further details about Jones’ return. The potential Jones vs. Aspinall matchup has the makings of one of the biggest fights in UFC history, pitting the seasoned legend against the rising star.
With both fighters actively training and in talks with the UFC, it seems increasingly likely that this highly anticipated bout will come to fruition in 2025. As always, Jones’ return to the Octagon promises to be a landmark event in the world of mixed martial arts.
For now, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely for any updates on the negotiations between Jon Jones and the UFC. One thing is certain: when “Bones” does make his return, the entire MMA community will be watching.
