Dana ​White Defends Giving Jon ⁤Jones Time in ​UFC ​Heavyweight Division

Updated June 22, 2025

UFC⁤ President​ Dana White ⁢is standing⁤ by his ⁣decision ⁤to grant Jon⁢ Jones considerable time ‍to decide his future in the UFC. This comes even as Tom Aspinall’s ascent ‍in the heavyweight division is⁤ somewhat delayed. Jones, a dominant force, ⁣faced setbacks including a ​failed‌ drug test⁤ in 2017, which overturned one of⁢ his⁣ victories.

White⁤ addressed reporters in⁣ Baku, Azerbaijan, on ⁢Saturday,‍ asserting that he has no‍ regrets about allowing Jones time to consider his options. Jones was nearing Cain Velasquez’s record for the longest heavyweight title reign.

Despite Aspinall losing ⁢valuable time and potential earnings, White assured that the UFC would ‍make‌ it up to‍ him.‌ He emphasized ‍Aspinall’s ⁣positive attitude throughout​ the process and expressed ​confidence in his future as a ​heavyweight champion.

The ​UFC ​heavyweight division remains a ‍focal point,with ‌Jones’s ​decisions heavily influencing the landscape and potential‍ matchups.

“Listen, if you look at what [Jones] accomplished ⁣in the sport, no.It is ⁤indeed what ⁣it is,”‍ White said. “I obviously feel bad for ​Tom that he lost ​all ⁢that time and money but we ‌will ‍make it up ​to him. Tom Aspinall is a ⁣good⁣ guy, he has been astonishing in this process. ‌He will be a ⁣great heavyweight⁤ champion for us and I’m ‌excited to work with him.”

What’s next

Aspinall is expected to remain a key figure in the heavyweight division, with ⁣the UFC planning to feature him prominently in ⁤upcoming events as he vies ‍for ‌the championship title.