JON JONES has finally given clarity on his fighting future.
The former pound-for-pound king has ummed and ahhed with the prospect of retirement since his maiden defence of the heavyweight title last November.
GETTYJon Jones has summed and ahhed over the prospect of retirement in recent months[/caption]
GETTYHis indecision has kept Brit bruiser and interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall in limbo[/caption]
GETTYJones has been lapping up the fan fury at his failure ti provide clarity on his fighting future[/caption]
XBut the former pound-for-pound king has finally hinted that he’ll vacate his heavyweight crown[/caption]
That’s despite the UFC brass meeting his demands to be paid “F**K YOU MONEY” for a mammoth unification bout with interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.
UFC supremo Dana White has faced a deluge of calls to strip Jones of his heavyweight crown and breathe new life into the stagnating division.
But Hall of Famer Jones has hinted that he’ll give up the belt before White and Co. bite the bullet and relieve him of it.
In an impromptu posting spree on X, Jones wrote: “I spoke to the UFC a long time ago about what my future plans were.
“I haven’t really worked out since my last fight in New York City.
“Honestly, I believe it’s been in the UFC’s best interest to keep presenting me as the company’s champion—not Tom.
“I’ve just been playing the role of the company man by doing nothing at all… and holding the position.
“And truthfully, it’s been incredibly lucrative. I’ve made more money off of Tom being the interim champ than Tom has himself.
“It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings.
“And remember, you can’t strip a guy like me at this point. I give the belt up freely. Veni, vidi, vici.”
The MMA masses have accused Jones of “ducking” Aspinall, with several going as far as to say he’ll damage his legacy if he doesn’t fight the Brit.
But the former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion could care little about his detractors’ thoughts on his impact in the sport.
He said: “That’s the problem with some young men, you think your last outcome is your legacy.
“That’s why when many of you fall short, you can’t find the strength to return.
“But here’s the truth: your legacy isn’t your last move. Legacy is what no one can take from you.
You can’t strip a guy like me at this point. I give the belt up freely. Veni, vidi, vici.”
Jon Jones
“It’s built over time, not defined by a single win or loss.
“If you’re reading this, your legacy is far from over.
“We wake up each day with a chance to build, to add, to rise. Make yours beautiful.”
Fan favourite Aspinall has been sat twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines since his 60-second demolition of Curtis Blaydes last July.
The Wigan warrior has been frustrated by his inactivity, although SunSport understands an announcement for his next fight will be made imminently.
GETTYTom Aspinall has a date for his next fight in the books[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
