UFC commentator Jon Anik hosted the UFC 316 press conference in Newark, New Jersey, stepping in for Dana White who chose not to attend the event on Thursday.
The press conference saw some heated moments, particularly between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley ahead of their bantamweight title rematch. However, a major talking point was the growing call from fans to strip Jon Jones of his heavyweight championship.
Jon Anik Offers Prediction on Jones vs Aspinall Bout
Amidst chants of ‘Strip Jon Jones’ from the UFC 316 press conference crowd, Jon Anik addressed the situation. While acknowledging he has no authority to strip the champion, Anik suggested that a fight between Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall would be more significant if both held belts.
Anik offered his personal speculation on the potential timeline and venue for the highly anticipated heavyweight unification bout. “I think… I`m hopeful they are gonna fight in December in Las Vegas,” he commented, though he clarified, “I have no inside information.” He also added his belief that Jon Jones might not be bothered if the belt were stripped.
Tom Aspinall`s Retirement Claim
Adding to the discussion surrounding Jones` status, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall recently suggested that Jon Jones has retired from mixed martial arts. Speaking on the `Good Guy / Bad Guy` podcast hosted by Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Aspinall asserted, “Guys, why are we still talking about Jon? He’s retired. He’s done.”
Aspinall claimed he had “retired” Jones without even needing to fight him and hinted at an upcoming fight for himself, stating, “I’ve got a date and a location.” He emphasized the need for activity in the heavyweight division, referring to himself as the “active heavyweight champion” ready to compete.
Jon Anik`s prediction of a potential December fight between Jones and Aspinall contrasts with Aspinall`s claim of Jones` retirement. The ultimate timing and possibility of this significant heavyweight clash remain uncertain, despite Dana White`s previous guarantee that the bout would indeed occur in 2025.
