- Jon Jones is at present recovering from tearing his pectoral tendon
- But he revealed UFC referred to as to ask if he would have the ability to headline UFC 300 card
- Jones turned them down and in addition stated he’s not dismissing Tom Aspinall battle
Jon Jones has revealed he was provided the possibility to headline UFC 300 however turned it down.
The UFC are but to announce the principle occasion for the historic card on April 17 and although ‘Bones’ is recovering from a torn pectoral tendon, he was requested if he’d take the highest spot.
The American defined to Submission Radio: ‘I obtained a name from [UFC Chief Business Officer] Hunter Campbell, one of many head legal professionals of the UFC, he stated, “Jon, I know it’s only nine weeks away, but if there’s any chance you’re feeling up to it, it would be awesome news for the community that you’re coming back and headlining one of the biggest events ever,” Jones said.
‘And, as honored as I am for the opportunity, I just don’t think I’ll be ready. I just don’t.
‘So, I’m getting up there in age and I only have a few more events left, and I want to give those events my all and make sure that I come back 100 percent.’
Jon Jones is out injured with a torn pectoral tendon but was offered a UFC 300 spot
Tom Aspinall (right) knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to become interim heavyweight champion
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been pushing hard for the Jones fight but there is a concern the veteran will retire after his delayed encounter with Miocic.
By all accounts, Jones seems to be recovering nicely and even demonstrated an ideal rugby sort out whereas visiting NRL aspect the Bulldogs in Australia final week.
But Jones says much will depend on how he fares in that battle, opening the door and giving some hope to Aspinall.
He went on: ‘I’m really going to base whether I continue on how I compete against Stipe, how I heal up from this injury.
‘I could blow Stipe out of the water or it could be an absolute war. And I feel like I need to take one step at a time before seeing what I do next.
‘But the Tom fight is definitely not off the table. Especially with how I’ve been feeling being out here. I feel just totally reinvigorated and just re-energized just being around all these fans.
‘So, I can’t just walk away. So, the ball is rolling in a really positive direction for me to continue my career.’
Jones went on to add that there will always be another contender to conquer but he doesn’t blame Aspinall for wanting to fight in the mean time rather than wait for him.
The 40-year-old Stipe Miocic hasn’t fought since his March 2021 but is next for Jones
‘Stipe and I have both been in the sport for a long time,’ Jones said. ‘I don’t think Stipe is getting the respect that he deserves. Me and Stipe have unfinished business, and I think it’s the only fair thing to do. I’m excited for Tom and his future.’
‘A lot of people don’t acknowledge that, that there will always will be another awesome contender.
‘It’s the UFC’s job to build the next big thing. And it’s my job to realize when you are enough and you have done enough, you’ve provided for your family, you’ve created the life for your people.
‘So I don’t know. I really don’t know what’s going to be next. I’m just taking it one thing at a time. That’s my respect to Stipe, is just to take it one thing at a time, and to respect him as a challenge that he will be.’
‘As impressive as Tom is, he’s not important enough yet to determine my schedules and my decisions,’ Jones said. ‘That’s fair enough, huh?’
He added: ‘If I were him, I would get after it, I would get after it.
‘If you truly believe that you’re the best in the world, then get after it. Go out there and compete. And the real fans will count your victories as champions. But don’t let me slow you down. Go out there and kick butt and make your money.’