Jon Jones was asked about a potential fight with Tom Aspinall after defending his heavyweight crown at UFC 309 – and his response received a huge pop from the Madison Square Garden crowd.
The 37-year-old, who returned to the octagon on Saturday night after a lengthy lay-off, stopped two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in the third round with a beautiful spinning back kick to the body.
After the stoppage at 4 minutes and 29 seconds, Jones delivered a highly-anticipated post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
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Jones, who had teased retirement leading up to the main event, confirmed that he would continue fighting after Rogan mentioned potential opponent Tom Aspinall; the interim heavyweight champ.
"As far as my future in the Octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire," Jones began. "I have some conversations to have with Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell], we have some negotiating to do."
He added: "If everything goes right, maybe we'll give you guys what you want to see."
Rogan then asked: "What will that be is that heavyweight or Pereira at heavyweight? What is that?"
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Jones replied: "I know we have options. So I'm just going to see what Uncle Dana wants and what uncle Hunter wants and you guys will hear about it some I'm sure. I also want to say a big thank you to president Donald Trump for being here tonight."
Miocic, meanwhile, announced his retirement after suffering defeat to Jones.
"It sucked I lost," the 42-year-old said. "I knew he was one of the best of all time. I came strong. I felt good. I was blocking and he caught me in the ribs.
"I expected nothing, I just didn't do what I was suppose to do. Congratulations to him. He did what he was supposed to and he won. Only wish the best for him."
Jones was full of praise for his opponent, who struggled to close the gap throughout.
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"He's really really good," said Jones. "He's really tough, really durable. I was hitting with some pretty decent shots and he just kept coming forward. I know a lot of guys have fought against Stipe before, all have that in common, it was like fighting against the terminator."
Thoughts on the potential match-up between Jones and Aspinall? Who would come out on top? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: UFC, Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall
Jack Kenmare