Jon Jones: A Future in Doubt
Jon Jones hasn’t had a fight scheduled for the near future, and Ben Askren is cautioning fans not to get their hopes up. It’s been three months since Jones defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, a match that saw him dominate the 42-year-old Miocic, who promptly retired afterward. The bout was widely criticized for its mismatch, especially given the呼声 for Jones to face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall instead. Despite the public’s interest, the Aspinall bout seems increasingly unlikely, and Askren believes that Jones might not fight again at all.
The Odds of a Jones Comeback
Askren, speaking on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel, is skeptical about the likelihood of Jones returning to the octagon. “If there were Kalshi odds on does Jon Jones fight again, I believe it would be less than 50 percent,” he said. “I think it would be somewhere around 20 to 30 percent that he fights again.” This pessimism is rooted in Jones’ recent inactivity and his lack of enthusiasm for unifying the heavyweight titles with Aspinall. Instead, Jones has expressed interest in a superfight with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, a bout that could reignite fan excitement and generate significant interest.
Pereira and Ngannou: Possible Opponents?
Pereira, a rising star in the UFC, has become one of the promotion’s biggest attractions, making a matchup with Jones a highly anticipated possibility. However, another name frequently mentioned alongside Jones is Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion now signed with the PFL. While Ngannou and Jones have discussed fighting in the past, the possibility is complicated by their different promotions. “That one ain’t happening,” Askren stated. “Dana White is not going to do some type of co-promote, so the idea that Francis is going to fight Jon, that’s a pipe dream.”
Ngannou’s PFL Journey
Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC and sign with the PFL was driven by both financial and career motivations. “Francis has already achieved that, so maybe he doesn’t feel the need and Francis, I don’t think he’s lying, I don’t know that it’s debatable, but I believe he made significantly more money doing the boxing fights outside of the UFC,” Askren explained. Ngannou’s lucrative deal with the PFL and his desire to maximize his earnings suggest that he is unlikely to return to the UFC for a bout with Jones.
The Fans’ Perspective
The uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future has sparked a wide range of reactions among fans. While some are hopeful that the legendary fighter will make a return, others are resigned to the possibility that he might have already fought his last bout. The MMA community is divided, with many fans weighing in on social media and forums. The question of whether Jones will fight again has become a topic of intense debate, with fans and experts alike offering their predictions and opinions.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for UFC?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jones, the UFC continues to make significant announcements and schedule exciting matchups. Recent promotions include a stacked card for UFC 314, featuring bouts like Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes, Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett, and Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull. These fights, along with others scheduled for UFC 315, are generating considerable buzz and keeping fans engaged. Whether or not Jones returns, the UFC is poised to deliver a slate of compelling matchups that will keep the sport vibrant and exciting.
