Jon Jones’s Next Challenge: Aspinall, Pereira, or Ngannou After Triumphant UFC Return?

Jon Jones marked his return to the UFC by defeating Stipe Miocic in three rounds at UFC 309, extending his MMA record to 28 wins, one loss, and one no-contest. The 37-year-old American dispelled any apprehensions regarding his age or potential ring rust, having been sidelined for 20 months due to injury. Two-time heavyweight champion Miocic proved to be an insufficient challenge for Jones, who, following his victory, stated his intention to continue competing in MMA. Throughout the UFC 309 fight week, Jones had suggested a potential retirement, but he now seems prepared to carry on his career. This raises questions about Jones’s next opponent: Is Tom Aspinall the leading candidate, will Jones achieve his desired fight against Alex Pereira, or could an improbable bout with Francis Ngannou materialize? The following individuals are considered potential contenders. Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is widely regarded as the primary contender. The fighter from Manchester was present cage-side for Jones’s comeback and has been persistently seeking an undisputed title fight for several weeks. At 31 years old, Aspinall is potentially the most challenging opponent for Jones, given his age and skill set. The full extent of Aspinall’s capabilities remains undetermined, positioning him as a formidable prospect. As the reigning heavyweight champion, Jones is anticipated to face Aspinall next, or he risks being stripped of his title. Jones, however, indicated a desire to “negotiate” with UFC executives regarding his subsequent bout, suggesting he might be seeking a larger financial compensation if he were to accept a fight against Aspinall. UFC president Dana White believes such a fight would be monumental and stated that Jones would be “well compensated.” “It would be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history, by a long shot,” White commented. He added, “I’ve got Tom waiting for me outside right now and Jon will be Jon. He will disappear, not only will you not hear what he’s doing, neither will I. But then he will resurface, he will call, and we will get it done.” Alex Pereira, the light-heavyweight champion, was not widely discussed as a potential opponent for Jones until Jones himself began promoting the idea during fight week. Pereira, 37, is a substantial light-heavyweight who also previously held a UFC championship in the middleweight division. Initially, the Brazilian would likely not be a favored option among fans, even though Jones himself expresses enthusiasm for the concept. After defeating Miocic, Jones stated, “I want the Pereira fight, that’s what I want to do. I’ve been clear about my intentions, that’s what I want.” He further elaborated, “I feel I’m at a place now where I want to take super fights, I don’t want to fight dangerous up and comers anymore, I want to fight dangerous, established champions.” With four consecutive knockout victories and having made a significant impact in the UFC since his debut in 2021, it is improbable that fans would object to the match-up for an extended period. Nevertheless, he remains an unlikely option for Jones’s next fight, as White has expressed disinterest in the proposal. Francis Ngannou, currently competing in the PFL, a rival MMA promotion to the UFC, was among those who commented on Jones’s win against Miocic. Ngannou stated, “Jones looked great out there tonight. Congrats Jonny boy. I see you.” When questioned about Ngannou’s remarks following the Miocic fight, Jones responded, “I’m here to talk about people in the UFC.” Ngannou is presently affiliated with the PFL, having previously held the UFC heavyweight championship. The 38-year-old is considered unlikely to ever return to the UFC after a highly publicized disagreement with White. Consequently, a cross-promotion agreement would be necessary for this fight to occur, a scenario widely considered almost impossible in MMA given White’s strong stance against co-promoting with other organizations. This, however, will not deter calls for the contest.