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Dana White details Jon Jones UFC retirement conversation, teases Tom Aspinall plans

White met with media Sunday during Fanatics Fest in New York City.

Zain Bando

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

UFC CEO Dana White attempted to clear the air regarding the Jon Jones retirement saga, leading to Tom Aspinall being promoted to undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.

It apparently threw off White’s plans.

During a media scrum ahead of the Canelo-Crawford presser Sunday in New York City, White said Jones-Aspinall was inevitable before Jones' retirement.

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Dana White (left) and fighter Jon Jones during a press conference prior to weigh-ins for UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Dana White (left) and fighter Jon Jones during a press conference prior to weigh-ins for UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dana White Blunt About Jon Jones' Decision-Making

There seems to be little closure regarding why Jones retired, even in light of recent legal troubles in Albuquerque in February. White was taken aback by Jones' decision, yet respected where the now-former champion was with his career and personal obligations.

“I don't know,” White told reporters. “These are all questions you have to ask him. We had the fight done. You saw me talking about it very confidently, that this fight was going to happen, and then he changed his mind."

Jon Jones (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stipe Miocic (not pictured) in the heavyweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison S
Jon Jones (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stipe Miocic (not pictured) in the heavyweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

White also clarified his feelings about whether Jones was avoiding, or, in other words, “ducked” the former interim champ.

“Jon Jones, I've said it a million times, and I'll say it again: He's never ducked anybody other than that one goofy time with the Chael Sonnen thing [at UFC 151],” White said.

Tom Aspinall's Next Fight Could Be Revealed Soon

White said the promotion aimed to have Jones fight Aspinall at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Whether Aspinall still fights there is also unknown, but answers should be coming sooner rather than later.

White reassured the media members in attendance that Aspinall would be in Las Vegas this week in the build up to UFC 317's International Fight Week Saturday night and discuss what's next alongside UFC brass.

Aspinall will fight as soon as possibl
Nov 11, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Tom Aspinall (blue gloves) reacts to beating Sergei Pavlovich (red gloves) during UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Assuming an announcement is forthcoming, it would end Aspinall's year-plus layoff and restart a divisional title sequence that has remained stagnant since Jones won the heavyweight title in March 2023.

READ MORE: UFC prelim fighter repeats fatal error made by Jon Jones

Jones, 37, tweeted Saturday night he was “overwhelmed,” but loved the outpouring of support in the aftermath of his retirement.

For now, the heavyweight division moves on without “Bones.” 

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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