Jones says he'll fight in November, takes shot at Aspinall's UFC 304 bout
Jon Jones suggested that he will finally return to the Octagon in November and took another shot at Tom Aspinall in a series of tweets on Thursday.
UFC CEO Dana White announced earlier Thursday that interim heavyweight champion Aspinall will fight Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event of UFC 304 in England on July 27. Aspinall later criticized and blamed Jones for the lack of movement in the heavyweight division, saying that the 36-year-old is "playing games."
Jones is the UFC heavyweight champion but hasn't fought since March 2023. He suggested that Aspinall isn't on the same level as him, adding that he'll be ready to "remind the world" in November.
Trolls telling me I’m slowing down the division by getting injured. Meanwhile, the next two heavyweights aren’t even a main event? interesting. I’m on the right path, I got until November to remind the world. Again.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
I’m definitely not retired. Sitting on my porch sore all over enjoying some time in the Metaverse. November 9 can’t come soon enough. I’m earning it every day. Just like I always have. https://t.co/wskChxw4j3
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
Curtis versus Tom for the official number one contender spot! 🙌🏾😌
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 17, 2024
A welterweight bout between champion Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad will headline UFC 304.
In a since-deleted tweet, Jones also said that his return would take place in New York at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 9.
🚨 In a now deleted post, Jon Jones announces that he will defend his belt on November 9th at Madison Square Garden in New York#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/tFL1o2mwAD
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 17, 2024
Jones is expected to fight former champion Stipe Miocic in 2024, but the UFC has yet to announce a November event in New York. Jones and Miocic were set to square off at UFC 295 last November, but Jones withdrew after tearing a tendon in his pectoral that kept him sidelined for several months.
Jones also recently said he'd welcome a fight against light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira, saying that would be the "biggest fight in MMA history."