Jon Jones names planned next opponent after UFC 309 KO as he hints at title release

Jon Jones does not want to fight Tom Aspinall and will vacate his heavyweight crown.

‘Bones’ was in action for the first time since March 2023, defending his title for the first time against veteran Stipe Miocic.

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Jones, as many expected, picked up the victory with a thunderous spinning kick KO that left the American flat on his back and forced him into retirement.

The champion, considered the greatest of all time in UFC history, hinted at retirement several months ago but has a plethora of options at his disposal.

Britain’s Tom Aspinall is the main challenger who currently holds the interim title and is looking to unite in a mega-fight, but Jones has shown little interest.

And that continued as Jones vowed after the fight to ignore Aspinall’s challenge and focus on a potential big showdown with light-heavyweight king Alex Pereira.

He said at the post-fight press conference: “I’m not really worried about the fight with Tom (Aspinall).

“I’m more worried about the fight with Alex Pereira. That’s what I really want to do.

“And I think if the UFC wants me back, that’s the fight they’re going to make.

“I’ve been very clear about my intentions, and that’s what I want. I think everyone will understand this point.

“I’ll retire without the heavyweight belt if I have one. Give the man what he wants. I’m in a place now where I want to do super fights.

“I don’t want to fight dangerous newcomers anymore, I want to fight established champions.

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“Tom can win the heavyweight championship if he wants. I have created something much bigger and I want Pereira.”

When asked about another superfight against now PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou, he added: “I’m here tonight to talk about UFC business.”

Jones has made it clear that he will retire from the sport if the UFC’s demands are not met.

Clearly he would have to earn a big wallet in his career if he is to somehow accept the challenge of Aspinall, who he has regularly batted away.

UFC president Dana White has admitted that he would be open to staging Jones’ favorite bout with Pereira on multiple occasions.

But after watching Jones destroy Miocic, White would prefer the fight with Aspinall but would consider ‘Poatan’ if the pair were to pursue it.

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He said: “You know what I was told tonight, there is no way I can let Pereira fight.

“Jon is oversized and a great wrestler, look how he beat Stipe in that first round.

“Personally I like Alex Pereira, but there’s just no point in fighting.

“If they both chase me or something then maybe I’ll do it, but that’s it.”