Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall: Dana White Teases Summer Showdown

UFC President Dana White has sent shockwaves through the MMA world by hinting at a potential heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall this summer. The announcement came during a recent interview, where White also discussed possible future matchups for light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Jon Jones’ Return to the Octagon

Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, has been absent from competition since his dominant performance against Ciryl Gane in March 2023, where he claimed the heavyweight title. Injuries have kept Jones sidelined, but White’s recent comments suggest that the former light heavyweight king is ready to defend his heavyweight crown.

🚨 Dana White says the UFC’s plan is for Jon Jones to fight Tom Aspinall this summer, with the date and location still “being determined”

He also says that Alex Pereira could fight the winner of Jones vs Aspinall with a win this weekend 👀

🎥 @jimromepic.twitter.com/eNqPdMVQdV

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 6, 2025

“We’re working on something big for Jon this summer,” White revealed. “Tom Aspinall has been on an absolute tear, and we think this could be the fight to make. Nothing’s signed yet, but we’re pushing for it.”

Aspinall, the British heavyweight sensation, has been vocal about his desire to face Jones. With a record of 13-3, including 11 first-round finishes, Aspinall has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the division. His last outing saw him claim the interim heavyweight title with a spectacular knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich.

The potential matchup between Jones and Aspinall has already generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike. Jones’ technical prowess and fight IQ would be put to the test against Aspinall’s explosive power and well-rounded skill set.

Alex Pereira’s Light Heavyweight Reign

While the heavyweight division braces for a potential blockbuster, Dana White also addressed the future of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Brazilian knockout artist is set to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 this weekend.

“We’ve got some interesting options for Alex after this fight,” White stated. “If he gets past Ankalaev, we’re looking at either a rematch with Jamahal Hill or possibly moving up to heavyweight for a super fight.”

Jon Jones reaction to Alex Pereira’s win at #UFC303 and moving up to heavyweight:

“When I beat Miocic, I might give him a chance, but only if he beats Aspinall. In any case, it would be an easy night for me; I would choke him out just like I did Gane. I’m the king of the… pic.twitter.com/P2UdSQJdSW

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) July 1, 2024

The mention of a potential move to heavyweight for Pereira has sparked speculation about a possible champion vs. champion bout. White didn’t rule out the possibility of Pereira facing the winner of the proposed Jones vs. Aspinall fight, should it come to fruition.

“Alex has shown he’s willing to take on all comers,” White added. “If he wants to challenge himself at heavyweight, we’d certainly be interested in making that happen.”

The UFC president’s comments highlight the promotion’s commitment to creating compelling matchups across weight classes. A potential Pereira move to heavyweight would add another layer of intrigue to an already stacked division.

As the MMA world digests these exciting possibilities, all eyes remain on UFC 313 this weekend. The outcome of Pereira’s title defense against Ankalaev could set the stage for a series of high-stakes matchups in the coming months.

White’s teaser about Jones vs. Aspinall and Pereira’s future has injected a new level of excitement into the UFC’s upper weight classes. With summer approaching, fans can anticipate a potential heavyweight showdown that could reshape the division’s landscape.

As always, Dana White’s announcements should be taken with a grain of salt until contracts are signed. However, the mere possibility of these matchups has already set the MMA community abuzz with anticipation. Whether it’s Jones vs. Aspinall or Pereira seeking two-division glory, the UFC’s heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions are poised for an electrifying summer.