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In a recent announcement that has set the MMA world abuzz, UFC President Dana White confirmed that the victor of the Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes fight will indeed be next in line to face the winner of the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic bout. "Absolutely," White stated, emphasizing the certainty of this matchup.
The interim heavyweight title defense is set to electrify the co-main event of UFC 304 in Manchester. For Tom Aspinall, this fight marks his first defense since capturing the championship with a stunning knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last November. Aspinall's meteoric rise has fans excited about the prospect of him squaring off against legends like Jon Jones.
Curtis Blaydes, known as 'Razor,' secured his shot at the title with a decisive knockout victory over Jailton Almedia earlier this year. This weekend’s clash with Aspinall offers Blaydes a chance to solidify his standing in the division. With Jon Jones still recuperating, the interim title fight provides both fighters a platform to showcase their championship potential.
Jon Jones, often regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, has been vocal about his next moves. Initially hinting at a desire to face Alex Pereira after his bout with Miocic, Jones has been less enthusiastic about a showdown with Aspinall. Pereira, coming off a knockout win against Jiri Prochazka, has expressed interest in moving to heavyweight, adding another layer of intrigue to Jones' future plans.
At the UFC 304 press conference, Dana White left no room for doubt, stating that the Aspinall vs. Blaydes winner will "absolutely" face the Jones vs. Miocic champion next year. This declaration has fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of these pivotal fights. While Jon Jones' return is yet to be officially scheduled, he hinted at a November showdown with Miocic at Madison Square Garden.
Jon Jones' recovery and legal issues have stirred uncertainty, but his commitment to returning to the octagon remains strong. As the MMA community waits with bated breath, the prospect of these titanic clashes promises a thrilling end to the year and an even more exciting 2024.
Who do you think will emerge victorious in this Saturday’s heavyweight clash? Will it be the rising star Tom Aspinall or the formidable Curtis Blaydes? And how will they fare against the legends Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic?
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