The UFC’s search for a suitable main event for UFC 300 is becoming increasingly apparent, and Jon Jones was even offered the opportunity despite still recovering from surgery. The current UFC heavyweight champion, Jones, is currently on a multi-city tour in Australia. During his visit “Down Under,” he spoke with Submission Radio and revealed that he recently received a call from UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, who proposed that he fight on the historic April 13 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, due to the timeline and his ongoing recovery from injuries, Jones had to decline the offer.
Jones mentioned that he is healing well from surgeries on a torn pectoral muscle and elbow damage, both of which occurred after he withdrew from a scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. Despite the honor of being considered for a headline spot at one of the biggest events ever, Jones acknowledged that he won’t be ready in time. With age catching up to him, Jones wants to ensure that he gives his all in his remaining events and returns to the octagon at 100 percent.
The 36-year-old Jones has not competed since March 2023 when he returned from a three-year hiatus to claim the vacant heavyweight title with a submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. While Jones desires a matchup with Miocic the most, there has been criticism from both him and the UFC for putting together a “legacy” fight instead of giving the opportunity to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has been campaigning for a chance to fight Jones. However, Jones remains focused on Miocic and believes that their unfinished business warrants a rematch.
Jones made it clear that his focus on Miocic doesn’t mean that a fight with Aspinall will never happen. He understands that there will always be new contenders emerging, and it is the UFC’s responsibility to build the next big thing. As for his own future in the sport, Jones is uncertain about how much time he has left but trusts that the UFC will match him up with opponents that make the most sense. He is taking things one step at a time and respects Miocic as the challenge that he is.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com