The delayed fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic continues to stir up debates.
Dana White, UFC CEO, recently addressed the UFC heavyweight situation in an interview with TNT Sports, providing clarity and reaffirming his stance on the much-anticipated fight.
Jon Jones, hailed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists, was set to face Stipe Miocic, arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time, at UFC 295.
However, a severe pectoral injury forced Jones to withdraw, sidelining him for approximately eight months. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Tom Aspinall, who claimed the interim heavyweight title in Jones’s absence.
Aspinall, riding high on his recent success, called for Jones to be stripped of his title, citing the UFC’s past practices with injured champions. His statement caused a stir in the MMA community, igniting debates on the fate of the heavyweight title.
Dana White, known for his straightforward approach, addressed these speculations head-on. “Well, the Stipe fight has to happen, yeah. Both of those guys deserve it,” White stated, emphasizing the significance of the Jones vs. Miocic bout.
He dismissed the idea of stripping Jones of the title, saying, “You got the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time [Jon Jones] versus the greatest heavyweight of all-time. They’ve paid their dues, they’ve done their things. These two want to fight each other. It’s going to happen.”
White’s comments highlight his commitment to ensuring that this ‘legacy fight’ takes place, regardless of the interim champion’s claims or the injury setback. While acknowledging Aspinall’s achievements, White made it clear that the priority remains on delivering the Jones vs. Miocic fight to the fans.
As the UFC navigates these choppy waters, one thing remains certain – the heavyweight division is brimming with drama, talent, and eagerly-awaited matchups. As for Aspinall, while he may have to wait a bit longer for his shot at the legends, his time in the spotlight is far from over.