UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones Teases Imminent Return, Calls Out Brazilian Ahead of Tom Aspinall

• Jon Jones was injured before his first title defence against Stipe Miocic but is soon to return
• Bones shared that he has a date in mind for his return but would let Dana White announce it
• Tom Aspinall wants to fight Jones, but the champion doesn't see an appeal in that title clash

Fight fans have reason to be excited as Jon Jones’ return to the Octagon appears to be a done deal.

The UFC Heavyweight champion has been out of action since November 2023, when he tore his pectoral muscle in training, but has since returned to the gym.

Not only has Bones returned to working out, but he’s also teased that he has a date for a return to action.

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During UFC 301, the champion took to X (formerly Twitter) to answer fan’s questions when he was asked about a return date.

Jones calls out Alex Pereira?

While many are interested in when the champion will enter the Octagon again, the bigger question is who he will face when he does.

The UFC are still keen to have him fight Stipe Miocic, but Tom Aspinall is also the interim champion and should be next in line to get a shot.

Jones doesn’t seem keen on fighting the British heavyweight and favours a Brazilian instead.

With Alex Pereira hinting that he could move up to heavyweight, Bones admitted that a bout against Poatan was more enticing, MMA Fighting noted.

“If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT? Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after Stipe may be the next biggest move I could possibly make. This killer has already defeated so many champions and is already considered a legend by millions around the world. The most massive fight the UFC could make,” he said.

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Jones added that Aspinall was only important in the UK and wasn’t a draw anywhere else.

4 possible opponents for Jones

Sports Brief previously looked at four men who could challenge Jones for the heavyweight strap next.

The champion was injured before his first title defence but has since returned to training in a gym.

Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion, but he’s not first in line to take on Bones.