UFC President Dana White continues to stand firm on his commitment to make the heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall happen, despite ongoing delays that have fueled fan skepticism.
The highly anticipated clash has been in discussion since November, yet remains unscheduled. White strongly dismissed recent claims by former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen, who suggested a date had been 'agreed' for the contest.
'Everything you hear is bulls**t until we say it,' White stated bluntly, addressing Sonnen's assertion.
Despite growing doubt among MMA enthusiasts about whether the fight will materialize, White maintains his position: 'I've said it many times, that's the fight we want to make this year. [I'm] still super confident [it happens].'
The UFC boss emphasized the historic significance of the potential matchup between the 37-year-old Jones and 32-year-old Aspinall. 'I've said since Day one that this would be the biggest heavyweight fight in the history of the company and the history of the sport. This will be a big one.'
According to Statbet analysis, the Jones-Aspinall matchup would feature two fighters with exceptional finishing rates, potentially creating one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes in recent years.
White also provided clarity on another major championship bout, confirming that undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev will challenge middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis later in the year, though not during International Fight Week as some had speculated.
'That fight is done. It's just not happening on that one [UFC 317],' White explained.
Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, has been inactive since his impressive victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November, where he secured a knockout via spinning back kick. Meanwhile, interim heavyweight champion Aspinall last competed in July at UFC 304 in Manchester, dispatching Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds to avenge his previous 2022 defeat.
