Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are in the spotlight with their highly anticipated legacy-defining showdown at UFC 309, sparking widespread predictions—many favoring Jones. However, the interim king Tom Aspinall isn’t far behind in terms of having his name etched in the minds of the fight community.
Since capturing the interim title at UFC 295, the Englishman has been vocal about his goal for a title unification bout against Jones. Yet, Jones has not given the Brit much recognition as a potential challenger. Meanwhile, UFC insider Chael Sonnen has suggested that contrary to popular belief, the biggest fight in the heavyweight division may not be Jones vs. Miocic. So, let’s see what ‘The Bad Guy’ is pointing at.
Chael Sonnen gives his pick for the ultimate heavyweight clash ahead of UFC 309
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UFC legend and analyst Chael Sonnen recently shared an important connotation related to the heavyweight main event at UFC 309. ‘The Bad Guy’ weighed in on the matter and put into words the kind of legacy this fight will hold. He added it is not about who wins between Miocic or Jones or even the ever-important financial aspect of the clash (PPV buys or event gate). Instead, this fight will ultimately form the trajectory for something greater and better, much like how a free spins no deposit bonus can pave the way for bigger opportunities in online casinos, offering unexpected rewards and shaping future outcomes.
Sonnen shared insider news, suggesting that a matchup between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones would generate more excitement than the highly anticipated Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight. Additionally, this would also be the biggest heavyweight clash of all time. ‘The American Gangster’ stated, “And you cannot get to what is next, which I predict for you: what is next, any which way they do it, what is next is going to be the biggest heavyweight fight ever. That is what I will predict for you now: if that is Jon vs. Tom, which is either Jon defending the heavyweight championship or Jon fighting for the heavyweight championship, and this is the part that keeps on getting missed.”
Sonnen also expressed uncertainty about why a Miocic vs. Aspinall fight hasn’t been set up. He pointed out that, based on current rumors, Stipe Miocic will most probably retire after his upcoming fight, as he has kept that option open since the announcement of this clash.
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Is Jon Jones avoiding Tom Aspinall, or is there a bigger plan in the heavyweight division?
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However, along with this, Sonnen also predicted another possible matchup which even Jon Jones might be interested in to tune in. It is public knowledge by this point that ‘Bones’ is not interested in fighting Aspinall but has expressed facing Alex Pereira in a super fight. Sonnen followed the tune of adding Pereira into the mix but not with the consensus MMA GOAT. Let’s see what he had to say!
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Sonnen believes in the viability of a potential Pereira vs. Aspinall clash
Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, has rightfully earned his shot at title unification, but Jon Jones has seemed uninterested in facing him. Adding to the uncertainty, there’s speculation that both Jones and Stipe Miocic will hang up their gloves after UFC 309, regardless of the outcome.
Now, Chael Sonnen has introduced a new twist to the narrative. According to Sonnen, the promotion might be looking to match Aspinall with none other than Alex Pereira. While not making an outright prediction, Sonnen shared his insights on YouTube: “It’s going to leave a real conversation between Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira. Now, I can’t say more than this—I’m not guaranteeing you’re going to see Pereira vs. Aspinall. But I can share with you, behind the scenes, that this is a fight they’d like to see happen. I’ve got to leave it at that.”
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Meanwhile, Jones has shown interest in a potential fight with Pereira, indicating that if he fights again after UFC 309, he’d be open to returning against the light heavyweight juggernaut. This desire complicates things for fans and analysts alike, who are eager to see Jones unify the heavyweight title with Aspinall, should Jones emerge victorious at the MSG PPV card.
As the excitement and rather an uncanny concern builds for the future of the heavyweight division, one question looms: Will we ever get the fight between Aspinall and Jones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Is Jon Jones avoiding Tom Aspinall, or is there a bigger plan in the heavyweight division?