Jon Jones Names The One Heavyweight Contender He’s Watching Out For
Jon Jones recently weighed in on the current UFC heavyweight title picture. While the divisional kingpin is open to facing the next crop of top contenders, it will ultimately depend on the significance of his opponents.
Jones made his spectacular return to action at UFC 285 in March. The former light heavyweight champion marked his heavyweight debut with an incredible first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane and took home the vacant heavyweight title.
‘Bones’ is now set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. If Jon Jons beats Miocic and chooses not to retire, he will have several intriguing opponents potentially waiting for him. Among the most exciting heavyweight prospects who could face Jones are Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovic.
Between the two heavyweight sluggers, Aspinall has been the most vocal about his desire to fight Jones. Conversely, ‘Bones’ has heaped praise on the Englishman in the past, claiming that Aspinall was a “special” fighter.
In a recent episode of the OverDogs Podcast, Jon Jones stated he’s looking to face significant contenders and stated:
“They’re amazing, don’t get me wrong. They’re starching people in the first round. But as I get older, I have to look at it as a business and not just speak out of pride… But at the end of the day, I have to fight people that the mainstream public is going to be excited about.”
He continued:
“Tom Aspinall, I think he really has the potential to do something really special in the heavyweight division. I think he’s going to be hard for the majority of guys to beat. I really do believe that.”
Watch the full episode below:
Jon Jones Is Having “Nightmares” About Facing Stipe Miocic At UFC 295
Jon Jones isn’t taking his title defense against Stipe Miocic lightly. As mentioned, the two UFC veterans are set to clash at UFC 295 in November in New York City.
Jones will be facing a 41-year-old Miocic, who will be coming off a 32-month hiatus. Given his extended time away from the octagon, many believe Miocic will be an easy title defense for Jones. However, ‘Bones’ is not buying into that narrative.
For context, Stipe Miocic is widely known as the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history. While he hasn’t competed since his knockout title loss against Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, the perennial heavyweight contender remains a dangerous opponent.
While Miocic is expected to retire after UFC 295, Jon Jones recently claimed that he’s already stressed about facing him. In the same episode of the OverDogs Podcast, Jones claimed:
“I have nightmares about my opponents. About every hour, Stipe Miocic will cross my mind. He will cross my mind… Stipe has balls. He has courage. He’s not the youngest fighter, but that is a man… I think Stipe is a very capable athlete. I think I owe it to Stipe to give him that chance to fight the best fighter ever. And I think Stipe owes it to me to give me a chance to fight the greatest heavyweight ever.”
