Jon Jones Offers Cryptic Update on Heavyweight Title Unification
Jon Jones Offers Cryptic Update on Heavyweight Title Unification originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The UFC heavyweight division has been frozen in place for months, with no clear path forward and no official word from Dana White. Fans and media alike have waited patiently as speculation swirled—would the UFC strip its reigning champion due to inactivity, or would a long-awaited unification bout finally be made official? This week, Jon Jones offered a glimpse behind the curtain that suggests movement is happening behind the scenes, even if it's only incremental.
Advertisement
A recent video posted by TikTok user fynnwg and later shared by Parry Punch on X (formerly Twitter) captured what appeared to be a candid Q&A session with the reigning champion. In the clip, Jones was directly asked about fighting interim champion Tom Aspinall. Rather than deflect, he delivered a response that hinted at progress:
'The UFC, I and Tom, we all got a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes... Right now, Tom and I have agreed to wait for the UFC to make their announcements. So I legally can't really talk about it.'
The tone marks a clear shift from Jones' previous online comments, where he often seemed dismissive of an Aspinall matchup. Now, there appears to be genuine coordination between both fighters and the promotion on how to move forward.
Jon JonesGetty Images
While the champion's remarks may not confirm a date or venue, they do breathe life back into the title picture. Still, until Dana White and the UFC make it official, it remains just talk. But at least now, the wait feels slightly more hopeful and less uncertain than it did before.
Advertisement
Related: UFC Makes Announcement About Noche UFC 3 Card
Related: Legal Storm Intensifies Around BJ Penn, New Developments Emerge: Report
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
32 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Federal judge blocks Florida from enforcing social media ban for kids while lawsuit continues
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge has barred state officials from enforcing a Florida law that would ban social media accounts for young children, while a legal challenge against the law plays out. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued the order Tuesday, blocking portions of the law from taking effect. The measure was one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. on social media use by children when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law in 2024. The law would ban social media accounts for children under 14 and require parental permission for their use by 14- and 15-year-olds. In his order granting the preliminary injunction sought by the groups Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, Walker wrote that the law is 'likely unconstitutional,' but acknowledged that parents and lawmakers have 'sincere concerns' about social media's effects on kids. Walker wrote that the prohibition on social media platforms from allowing certain age groups to create accounts 'directly burdens those youths' rights to engage in and access speech.' While siding with the industry groups' claims that the law limits free speech, Walker allowed a provision to go into effect requiring platforms to shut down accounts for children under 16, if their parent or guardian requests it. Parents — and even some teens themselves — are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media use on young people. Supporters of the Florida law have said it's needed to help curb the explosive use of social media among young people, and what researchers say is an associated increase in depression and anxiety. Matt Schruers, the president and CEO of the industry association CCIA, praised the judge's order blocking the law. 'This ruling vindicates our argument that Florida's statute violates the First Amendment by blocking and restricting minors — and likely adults as well — from using certain websites to view lawful content,' he said in a statement. 'We look forward to seeing this statute permanently blocked as a violation of Floridians' constitutional right to engage in lawful speech online.' A spokesperson for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier defended the law and the state's efforts to insulate kids from social media at a time when platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat seem almost impossible to escape. 'Florida parents voted through their elected representatives for a law protecting kids from the harmful and sometimes lifelong tragic impacts of social media. These platforms do not have a constitutional right to addict kids to their products,' Uthmeier's press secretary Jae Williams said in a statement. 'We disagree with the court's order and will immediately seek relief in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.' ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Washington Post
35 minutes ago
- Washington Post
You are now free to move about the cabin. The singing, however …
On one hand, I get it. For I, too, was once a child full of song. Some might even say overflowing. So when my TikTok feed offered me the viral clip of Delta Girl, or Moana Girl, or whatever nickname we've settled on, six days out from the incident — i.e. young girl delivers an unsolicited intercom performance of 'How Far I'll Go' to passengers on delayed plane — I found myself circling the proverbial emotional airport. It was, objectively, precious.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Predicted to Sign Short-Term Extension With Lakers
Luka Doncic Predicted to Sign Short-Term Extension With Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Mavericks shocked the sports world in February when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster deal paired Doncic with NBA legend LeBron James. Advertisement Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists with the Lakers in the regular season after the Mavericks traded him. The future Hall of Famer then put up 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in the 2025 playoffs. Despite Doncic putting up stellar numbers, though, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in the first round in five games. The 26-year-old Doncic will make $45.9 million next season. The superstar is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers after the 2025 NBA Finals conclude and ESPN's Bobby Marks expects that to happen. Los Angeles Lakers star Luka DoncicKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images It's worth mentioning, though, that Marks expects Doncic to sign a short-term extension with the Lakers instead of the four-year deal he's eligible to sign starting on August 2. Advertisement "A four-year, $229 million max, where the $51 million first-year salary for 2026-27 replaces the player option for that season," Marks wrote. "And, more likely: a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in the third year. "The short-term extension would allow Doncic to reenter free agency sooner and potentially recoup the $345 million he lost when he was traded from the Mavericks. Doncic, for his part, confirmed to ESPN's Malika Andrews in an interview before the postseason that his intention is to remain with the Lakers. "But while there should be confidence in Doncic extending, showing him what a post-James roster could look like is a major priority. What to expect: Doncic signs a three-year, $165 million deal with a player option for 2028-29." Doncic has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists with the Mavericks and Lakers. He has made five All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams. Related: Lakers' Stance on Potentially Trading Luka Doncic Revealed by NBA Analyst This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
