Latest news with #UFCBaku
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jon Jones Doubles Down on Intentions to Fight on Historic UFC White House Card
Images via Imagn: Donald Trump and Jon Jones At the UFC Baku post-fight presser, Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones was finally hanging up his gloves after an illustrious career. This announcement came amid the long wait for Jones to unify the heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall, who held the interim gold since UFC 295. However, 'Bones' didn't see the merit in fighting a young and hungry Englishman and announced his retirement a day after the UFC head honcho made it official. However, it seems that Jones is once again eager to come back and resume his hunt to be the best. This change of heart has arisen due to Donald Trump 's announcement of the UFC holding a card on the lawns of the White House on America's 250th birthday in 2026. Moreover, even White confirmed that the event will go down on 4th July next year. Jon Jones Is Confident of Main Eventing the UFC White House Card Next Year Just 13 days after announcing his retirement, Jones declared that he has re-entered the drug testing pool to appear on the historic card. And in a conversation with TMZ earlier this week, 'Bones' reaffirmed his intention of fighting for the pride of America. 'That's the goal. We haven't had a conversation about it, but I have a very strong feeling that I'll be fighting that night, for sure.' This isn't the first time this week that the former heavyweight champion has expressed his intention to return to the Octagon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Jon Jones Confident He'll Fight At Trump's White House UFC Event, 'Strong Feeling' | TMZ Sports In a conversation with Joy of Everything's Joe Andaloro, Jones said that he would be ready to take on the reigning heavyweight king by the time the UFC White House card rolls around. He even teased a showdown with Aspinall if he held the strap at the time of the event. And finally, Jones once again doubled down on returning at the ESPY's red carpet event. However, it seems that the UFC President is not keen on watching his crown jewel return to the cage. Dana White Is Not on Board for Jon Jones to Return to the UFC White House Event UFC 318 proved to be the final fight of Dustin Poirier's career. However, the post-fight presser saw the conversation shift to Jones fighting at UFC White House, slated to take place on 4th July 2026. When asked about the prospect of the former heavyweight champion appearing on the card, White said something surprising. 'It's not even about him winning the belt. You know how I felt about him. You know I can't risk putting him in big positions in a big spot and have something go wrong – especially the White House card." This hesitancy stems from the fact that Jones was responsible for ruining perhaps the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history when he didn't fight Aspinall. Moreover, he has a history of pulling out of major cards like the UFC 200 showdown with Daniel Cormier just days before the event. White is currently focused on discussing the logistics and arrangements for the card rather than the actual fights on it. Also read: UFC 318 Main Match Card Highlights and Results: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier, Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov and More Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jon Jones Reveals Grand Plans of Fighting Tom Aspinall at UFC White House Event
Images via UFC and Donald Trump's Instagram At the UFC Baku post-fight presser, Dana White made the shocking announcement to the world that Jon Jones has hung up his gloves for good. The UFC head honcho also announced the coronation of Tom Aspinall as the undisputed heavyweight champion after holding the interim gold for nearly 600 days. Just a day later, 'Bones' also released a message on his social media confirming his retirement. However, it seems that the promise is not going to last after President Donald Trump 's bumper announcement earlier this month, with Jones already charting a course for his Octagon return. Jon Jones Is Ready to Risk It All to Become UFC Heavyweight Champion Again At a recent event, Trump announced that the UFC will host an event on the grounds of the White House. Dana White even locked the date for the event, which is set to go down on 4th July 2026, on America's 250th birthday. And if there is someone who can main event that iconic card, then it's Jones. Two weeks after his retirement call, Jones announced that he had re-entered the drug testing pool. And now, in a chat with Joy of Everything on TikTok, the former 2-division champion made his intentions clear. 'I can't promise anyone anything, but I have a very strong feeling that I'll be on that card.' Moreover, the consensus MMA GOAT even compared his potential return to two of the biggest boxing events of all time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'I think it's going to be historic. It will be as big as the 'Thrilla in Manilla', or 'The Rumble in the Jungle', it's up there with that. Essentially, it could be bigger than that. I would want to take on whoever is holding the belt at the end of the year. ' Jones then hinted at a potential superfight with Tom Aspinall if he still has the belt by the time UFC White House comes to town. 'As of right now, the champion is Tom Aspinall, but we'll see who the champion is at the end of the year. I feel like to have an American fight for a championship that night, I would put it all on the line…right now, I'm just trying to be a good citizen.' Conor McGregor Is in Line to Make His Return at UFC White House Jon Jones might not be the only superstar headlining the UFC's historic event at the White House next year. Conor McGregor, who hasn't stepped into the Octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, is eyeing a return in 2025. According to BKFC president David Feldman, McGregor personally told him that his comeback talks are real. Feldman said the Irishman is back in the USADA testing pool and working toward a UFC return. However, there's one major issue: despite McGregor's claims, he hasn't recorded a single drug test in 2025. That raises questions about the timeline of his return and whether fans will see him back in action anytime soon. Also read: Jon Jones retires from UFC with heartfelt message as fresh legal trouble shadows final exit Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Frustrated Tom Aspinall fires dig at Jon Jones after becoming undisputed UFC heavyweight champion
Aspinall reacts to title promotion with frustrated message Tom Aspinall has been promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones' retirement, but his reaction highlighted ongoing frustration with the stalled state of the division. UFC President Dana White announced the title change following UFC Baku , confirming that Jones had officially stepped away from MMA competition. Aspinall, who held the interim belt since knocking out Sergei Pavlovich, wasted no time addressing fans directly via Instagram: 'For you fans. It's time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion.' The message, widely interpreted as a dig at Jones, signals Aspinall's eagerness to bring activity and clarity to the long-stagnant heavyweight division. Also read: Jon Jones retires, UFC names Tom Aspinall new ... Failed matchup leaves questions unanswered Live Events Aspinall's promotion comes after months of failed negotiations to secure a bout against Jones. According to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Jones initially agreed to fight Aspinall but later reversed course, leaving the UFC without a path forward. The resulting logjam led to Aspinall becoming the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history. The British fighter had publicly lobbied for a unification bout and grew increasingly vocal about the lack of movement at the top of the division. With Jones now retired, Aspinall's frustration has shifted toward ensuring the belt is defended consistently going forward. Jon Jones confirms retirement, reflects on career Following White's announcement, Jon Jones issued a formal retirement statement, expressing gratitude and reflecting on his career. 'Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,' Jones said. 'From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport.' Jones retires as one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history. He captured the UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane and defended it once against Stipe Miocic. Previously, he dominated the light heavyweight division with 11 title defenses and remains undefeated in competition outside of a 2009 disqualification loss. Also read: UFC legend Jon Jones shares emotional message after ... Despite his accolades, some observers will view Jones' reluctance to face Aspinall as a mark against his legacy. His extended absence and eventual retirement left the UFC with no choice but to move the division forward without a definitive clash between its top two heavyweights. A new era for the UFC heavyweight division begins With Aspinall now holding the undisputed UFC heavyweight title, the division is expected to see renewed movement. Aspinall, known for his well-rounded skill set and knockout power, is likely to defend his title soon against top-ranked challengers. His promotion marks the beginning of a new era for the UFC's heavyweight class—one the champion hopes will be defined by activity and competition, not inactivity and stalled negotiations.
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
MMA Junkie Radio #3577: Jon Jones retires, Fabian Edwards interview, UFC and PFL results
Monday's episode of MMA Junkie Radio with "Gorgeous" George and Goze is here. On Episode 3,577, the fellas discuss Jon Jones' retirement, UFC Baku and PFL World Tournament 6 results, and they welcome PFL World Tournament 7 headliner Fabian Edwards to the show. Tune in!
USA Today
22-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Khalil Rountree Jr. after UFC on ABC 8 win?
Khalil Rountree Jr. proved he's levelled up to an elite tier on Saturday when he thoroughly defeated former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC on ABC 8. Rountree Jr. (14-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) rebounded from a title-fight loss to then-champ Alex Pereira in October by methodically breaking down Hill (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) over for the course of five rounds for a unanimous decision in the headliner at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. Although he claimed his worth for a title shot post-fight, it might not be that easy for Rountree Jr. What's next? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis after his UFC on ABC 8 win. Khalil Rountree Jr. wants a title shot after his UFC Baku win over Jamahal Hill, but is it realistic? We break it down.
