Jon Jones would not need to battle Tom Aspinall and can vacate his heavyweight crown.
‘Bones’ was in motion for the primary time since March 2023, making a primary defence of his title in opposition to veteran Stipe Miocic.
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Jones, as many anticipated, picked up the victory with a thunderous spinning-kick KO sending the American flat on his again and seeing him now positioned into retirement.
The champion, who is taken into account the best of all-time in UFC historical past, hinted at retirement a number of months in the past however has a plethora of choices out there.
Briton Tom Aspinall is the important thing challenger who at present holds the interim belt and desires to unify in a mega-fight, however Jones has proven little curiosity.
And that has continued with Jones vowing after the battle to disregard the problem of Aspinall, and give attention to a possible big showdown with light-heavyweight king Alex Pereira.
He mentioned on the post-fight press convention: “I am probably not fearful concerning the Tom [Aspinall] battle.
“I am extra fearful concerning the [Alex] Pereira battle. That is what I actually need to do.
“And I feel if the UFC needs to have me again, then I feel that is the battle they may make.
“I’ve been very clear about my intentions, and that is what I would like. I feel anyone will perceive about this level.
“I’ll retire with out the heavyweight belt if I’ve too. Give the man what he needs. I am at a spot now I need to be in super-fights.
“I do not need to battle harmful up-and-comers anymore, I need to battle established champions.
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“Tom can have the heavyweight championship if he needs it, I’ve created one thing a lot larger and I would like Pereira.”
When requested about one other super-fight in opposition to now PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou, he added: “I am right here to speak UFC enterprise tonight.”
Jones has made it clear he’ll retire from the game, if he’s not to be met with calls for by the UFC.
It’s clear he would want to make a career-high purse if he’s to someway settle for the problem of Aspinall, which he has usually batted away.
UFC president Dana White has admitted he could be open to staging Jones’ most popular match-up with Pereira on a number of events.
However after watching Jones destroy Miocic, White would somewhat see the battle with Aspinall, however would think about ‘Poatan’ if the pair pursue it.
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He mentioned: “You already know what tonight advised me, there is no f**king method I make the Pereira battle.
“Jon is simply too large and an incredible wrestler, see how he took Stipe down in that first spherical.
“I like Alex Pereira personally but it surely simply would not make sense to make battle.
“If they’re each f***ing hounding me or one thing then perhaps I’ll do it, however that is it.”