MMA
Jon Jones' Long-Awaited UFC Return: Controversial Matchup Sparks Debate Over True Challenger
Jon Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title on November 9, 2024, against Stipe Miocic, stirring debate over Miocic's selection over interim champ Tom Aspinall. Find out the reasons behind Jones' year-long absence and the controversy surrounding his choice of opponent.
Jon Jones//Getty Images
Jon Jones’ next UFC fight is rumoured to be taking place on November 9th 2024 as he looks to successfully defend his heavyweight title for the first time.
While the return of “Bones” will certainly excite MMA fans, there will be some people that frown upon the choice of his opponent; Jones is set to face Stipe Miocic rather than the UFC interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall.
Why Jon Jones Has Not Fought In The UFC In Over A Year
Image for Jon Jones//Getty
Jon Jones has not competed since March 2023 when he made quick work of Ciryl Gane, submitting the Frenchman to gain the vacant UFC heavyweight championship.
Dana White pencilled in Jones vs Miocic for October 2023 after that victory, but an injury suffered by Jones saw him drop out of the fight two weeks from the bout and he underwent surgery on a torn pectoral.
Stipe Miocic Or Tom Aspinall: Who Is The Most Worthy Opponent For Jon Jones?
Image for Tom Aspinall//Getty
Miocic is a legend of the game, racking up 20 victories and only four defeats. Having successfully defended his title four times during his two heavyweight title reigns, he holds the record for most wins in heavyweight title fights along with the longest title defence streak in the heavyweight division, at three consecutive defences.
The issue amongst the UFC community is that Miocic has not fought since March 2021 where he was brutally knocked out by Francis Ngannou in their title bout. You have to go back a further year to find the Ohio native's last victory inside the octagon.
On the flip side, the current UFC interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, has been on a demolition job since his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship back in July 2020. The Englishman has claimed eight wins, all of them coming inside the distance. His only defeat was a freak incident when he tore his knee ligament after landing a leg kick against Curtis Blaydes. But Aspinall avenged that blip by knocking “Razor” out in the first round at UFC 304.
Since Miocic last fought, Aspinall has tore his knee ligaments, completed rehab for his injury, won his comeback fight, defeated Sergei Pavlovich on short notice to win the interim title, and then successfully defended it. The MMA universe wants to see the English fighter finally get his much deserved title shot against Jon Jones.
Jon Jones May Not Have Any Intention Of Fighting Tom Aspinall
The issue here of course is this: Jones is widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, meanwhile Dana White claims Stipe Miocic is the greatest heavyweight MMA fighter ever, so he wants the two to clash horns. However, right now the UFC have a UK star in Tom Aspinall, who has more than earned a shot at the legitimate version of the belt.
Aspinall is now facing a spell on the sidelines but through no fault of his own. The interim champ is now waiting for November to come so he can be ready as the backup fighter for Jones vs Miocic. If nobody pulls out of the bout this time then the Atherton native will fight the winner of that contest for the undisputed heavyweight championship. However, many fear that Aspinall is being dragged along at this point.
With Jones, 37, and Miocic, 41, both at the latter stages of their career and both inactive, there is a fear that win or lose the two UFC greats will call time on their careers after their upcoming bout. If this is the case then Aspinall will likely face an extended period away from the cage as the UFC figure out who he would fight for the vacant belt.
Jake Staniland is a sports writer who excels in covering a wide range of sports: football, combat sports and the NFL - All three subjects are his lifelong passions.
Jake is a boyhood Sheffield United fan, which is often a curse that he thanks his family for. His favourite Blades player ever is Billy Sharp