Jon Jones reveals current negotiations with UFC, says 2025 return 'more than likely'
11/25/2024 08:50 AM
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones provided a positive update about his fighting future.
Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) is fresh off his first title defense against Stipe Miocic less than two weeks ago in the UFC 309 headliner at Madison Square Garden in New York.
After finishing Miocic, Jones doubled down on his callout of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and said he’s willing to walk away if he doesn’t get his wish.
However, Jones revealed that negotiations with the UFC are currently undergoing.
“Right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations,” Jones told The Schmo. “We’re in talks to see what happens next. I’m back in the gym. I’m training. I feel really great. The team supports me and they’re behind me. We’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes our way.”
Jones asked the UFC for “f*ck you” money to fight interim champion Tom Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC). When asked how much that is, Jones didn’t reveal, but hinted that an octagon return is probable.
“There is (a figure in mind), but I’m not going to discuss that publicly,” Jones continued. “Yes, I will be competing in 2025, more than likely.”
Aspinall also recently said that negotiations for his next fight are underway. Aspinall has been eager to unify his interim title with Jones, even defending his belt in a first-round TKO of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.
