Unlike UFC CEO Dana White, Jon Anik isn't confident that Jon Jones sticks around to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
Not many topics have remained at the surface of the mixed martial arts community in 2024 quite like the UFC's heavyweight title picture, which currently boasts two champions but uncertainty regarding whether they will ever face each other.
That problem arose after an injury to Jones late last year saw his planned defense against Stipe Miocic canceled and an interim titleholder crowned in his absence. And when Aspinall captured that belt, talk turned to a unification showdown.
However, both Jones and the UFC have other plans, remaining firm on rearranging the Miocic fight for the Madison Square Garden event this November. In the meantime, Aspinall has recorded the first successful defense of his gold, knocking out Curtis Blaydes in quick time at UFC 304 last month.
While the Brit — as well as plenty of fans and analysts — has expressed doubt over his dream fight with Jones reaching the Octagon, White recently predicted that the all-time great will delay a possible retirement should he defeat Miocic in order to face the challenge of Aspinall.
But the man who would be tasked with calling that monumental heavyweight clash doesn't have high hopes...
Anik Doesn't Share White's Confidence On Jones vs. Miocic Coming To Fruition
During the latest episode of his podcast alongside ex-fighter Kenny Florian, Anik gave his take on the current status of the championship conversation at heavyweight.
The longtime play-by-play commentator shared White's sentiment when it comes to Jones wanting to challenge himself against the division's highly regarded interim champ. Anik doesn't, however, believe that feeling will be stronger than the Rochester native's desire to protect his legacy on MMA's biggest stage.
I would agree with Dana White in so far as that Jon Jones, if he beats Stipe Miocic, would want to challenge himself against someone like Tom Aspinall," Anik said. "And what better way to put a capstone on your career as the consensus greatest MMA fighter of all time than to beat a guy in Tom Aspinall who is all the rage at present, and a guy who many forecast to be the greatest mixed martial arts heavyweight of all time. I think he wants the challenge — not at the expense of his legacy.
If he can beat Stipe Miocic as a -350 betting favorite and ride off into the Albuquerque sunset, I am expectant that that is what he is going to do," Anik continued. "I know Dana and others have said they'd be surprised if Jon doesn't bite off that Aspinall challenge if he beats Stipe. I would, with respect, go the other way. If I could get a betting line on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall never f*cking happening, I would ask my wife if I could, you know, spend several figures on that.
For now, Jones appears to be ramping up his physical activity as he prepares to make his way back from injury later this year. What comes after a potential victory over the returning Miocic, however, remains to be seen.
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