UFC: Jon Jones v Stipe Miocic will go ahead in 2024, says president Dana White
- Published
Jon Jones is a two-weight UFC belt-holder and reigning heavyweight champion
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones will defend his title against Stipe Miocic next year when he has recovered from injury, according to Dana White.
Jones, 36, faces nine months out after he tore his pectoral tendon while training for the bout at UFC 295.
Briton Tom Aspinall faces Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title at the event in November instead.
But UFC president White said the interim champion would "have to wait" to face the winner of Jones v Miocic.
Jones requires surgery after suffering the pectoral injury on Tuesday.
If Jones v Miocic does happen in nine months, it could be the end of 2024 before an undisputed heavyweight championship fight occurs.
"This fight [Jones v Miocic] was set up, this fight needs to happen," White said. "Two of the biggest legends of the sport want the fight."
Eyebrows were raised when it was announced Aspinall and Russia's Pavlovich would fight for the interim title with Miocic seemingly fit and able to remain on the UFC 295 card at Madison Square Garden on 11 November.
But White said he did not offer the interim fight to Miocic, because the two-time heavyweight champion only wants to face Jones.
"Stipe's not fighting for an interim title. Jones said 'I want to fight Stipe'. I said 'you're fighting Stipe'," White said.
"You have the greatest heavyweight of all time versus the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
"This is a legacy fight for both of those guys. To even call Stipe and ask him to fight for an interim title is complete disrespect."
Jones and 41-year-old Miocic are both in the twilight of their fighting careers and White admitted he was unsure if Aspinall or Pavlovich would have the chance to face either veteran.
"To be the man you've got to beat the man," he said. "So whoever wins that fight, it would be nice to see them stick around to defend the title."