- Jon Jones is currently recovering from a torn pectoral tendon.
- But he revealed that the UFC called him to ask if he could headline the UFC 300 card.
- Jones rejected them and also said he is not ruling out a fight with Tom Aspinall.
Jon Jones revealed that he was offered the opportunity to headline UFC 300 but turned it down.
The UFC has yet to announce the main event of the historic card on April 17 and even though ‘Bones’ is recovering from a torn pectoral tendon, he was asked if he would take the top spot.
The American explained to Submission Radio: “I got a call from (UFC chief commercial officer) Hunter Campbell, one of the UFC’s lead lawyers, and he said, ‘Jon, I know it’s only nine weeks away, but if there’s any chance, “If you’re feeling up to it, it would be great news for the community to have you come back and headline one of the biggest events in history,” Jones said.
And while I’m very honored by the opportunity, I don’t think I’m ready. I just don’t do it.
“So I’m getting up in age and I only have a few more events left, and I want to give it my all and make sure I come back at 100 percent.”
Jon Jones is injured with a torn pectoral tendon, but was offered a spot at UFC 300
Tom Aspinall (right) knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to become interim heavyweight champion
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been pushing hard for the fight with Jones, but there are concerns the veteran will pull out after his delayed encounter with Miocic.
By all accounts, Jones appears to be recovering well and even demonstrated a perfect rugby tackle while visiting NRL team the Bulldogs in Australia last week.
But Jones says a lot will depend on how he fares in that battle, opening the door and giving Aspinall some hope.
He continued, “I’m really going to base it on how I compete against Stipe and how I recover from this injury.”
‘It could blow Stipe out of the water or it could be an all-out war. And I feel like I need to take it one step at a time before I see what I do next.
“But a fight with Tom is definitely not out of the question. Especially with how I’ve felt being here. I feel totally revitalized and energized just by being surrounded by all these fans.
‘So I can’t just walk away. So everything is going in a very positive direction so I can continue my career.”
Jones added that there will always be another contender to conquer, but he doesn’t blame Aspinall for wanting to fight in the meantime instead of waiting for it.
Stipe Miocic, 40, hasn’t fought since March 2021, but he’s next for Jones
“Stipe and I have been in the sport for a long time,” Jones said. ‘I don’t think Stipe is getting the respect he deserves. Stipe and I have unfinished business and I think it’s the only fair thing we can do. I’m excited for Tom and the future of him.”
“A lot of people don’t recognize that, that there will always be another big contender.”
‘The UFC’s job is to build the next big thing. And my job is to realize that when you are enough and you’ve done enough, you’ve provided for your family, you’ve created life for your people.
‘So I do not know. I really don’t know what’s next. I’m just taking it one thing at a time. That’s my respect for Stipe, it’s just taking things one by one and respecting him as a challenge that he will be.”
“As impressive as Tom is, he’s still not important enough to dictate my schedule and my decisions,” Jones said. ‘That’s fair enough, huh?’
He added: “If I were him, I would chase him, I would chase him.”
‘If you really believe you are the best in the world, then do it. Go out and compete. And true fans will count your victories as champions. But don’t let it stop you. Go out and kick ass and make money.’