UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones expressed surprise when informed of Dana White`s assertion that Jones had accepted a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall.
Jones had recently appeared distant from agreeing to a fight with Aspinall, making the UFC CEO`s statement about an acceptance particularly unexpected.
It appears White`s account may have omitted the detail that Jones later rescinded his agreement, which explains the lack of an official announcement. Jones`s reaction to White`s comments, when questioned, indicated he was caught off guard.
Jon Jones Speaks Out After Dana White`s Claim About Aspinall Fight
Despite being active on social media, Jones had remained publicly silent regarding White`s post-UFC 316 press conference remarks until a brief media appearance promoting the Dirty Boxing Championship in Miami.
Jones, who is a co-owner of the new promotion alongside Mike Perry and the Kawa Family behind First Round Management, seemed disinclined towards media interactions during the event`s weigh-ins.
However, upon being asked if he was aware of White`s statement, Jones responded, “No, I did not [see Dana’s comments].” When informed that White claimed he had accepted the fight, Jones questioned with apparent surprise, “Is that what he said?”
Dana White Revealed Jones v Aspinall News After UFC 316
The news regarding Jones`s supposed acceptance of the Aspinall fight was first revealed by Dana White during the post-fight press conference for UFC 316.
White casually mentioned the significant development, stating, “Yeah, I’ve been saying it since the beginning, Jon Jones agreed to do the fight. Jon Jones was offered the deal and accepted the deal.” When a reporter sought clarification, White reiterated, “Jon agreed to fight Tom, yes.”
He further emphasized, “You guys have heard me for the last however long, I said, ‘I guarantee this fight is going to happen.’ Yes, I’ve been saying Jon is gonna fight Tom.”
Jack Thornley