As the mixed martial arts world eagerly anticipates the showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, significant implications loom for the heavyweight division. Jones, boasting a formidable record of 27 wins and just one loss, will defend his heavyweight title against Miocic, a seasoned veteran with a record of 20 wins and 4 losses. This highly anticipated bout is expected to shape the future of the division, but questions remain regarding the future path of fighters like Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira.
Former fighter Chael Sonnen recently shared his insights, predicting that Tom Aspinall will likely need to defend his interim heavyweight title again after UFC 309. Sonnen suggests that despite Jones’ success, the matchmaking might not favor Aspinall directly against the champion. Instead, he believes the matchup between Pereira and Aspinall is imminent, potentially setting the stage for an interim title fight. This scenario hinges on the belief that Pereira, who currently holds the light heavyweight championship, might not be ready for a title defense against No. 1 contender Magomed Ankalaev.
Sonnen’s assertion carries weight given the stakes at play. If Jones triumphs, Aspinall could find himself unexpectedly sidelined despite possessing a promising record of 15 wins and 3 losses. The landscape of the heavyweight division can shift rapidly, especially when one considers the influence exerted by high-profile fights.
A significant factor affecting the potential match between Aspinall and Pereira is the latter’s hand injury, which may delay his return to action. Sonnen indicated that while Pereira’s hand might not heal in time for a December fight, a January timeline appears feasible. If this is accurate and Aspinall is available, it paves the way for an intriguing clash that could result in an interim heavyweight champion while Jones or Miocic navigate their own future challenges.
The idea of Pereira stepping into the heavyweight fray, potentially skipping over Ankalaev, raises questions about rankings and contender legitimacy. Still, Sonnen hinted at the strategic elements of fight promotion and the likelihood of the UFC wanting to create buzz around new title contenders.
UFC 309 and Beyond
While UFC 309 focuses primarily on the clash between Jones and Miocic, Sonnen believes the event could inadvertently set the stage for future matchups, particularly those involving Pereira and Aspinall. The spectacle of both fighters being present creates a perfect narrative opportunity for the UFC to position them as the next big fight, referencing their presence as symbolic contenders immediately following the title fight’s conclusion.
However, the unpredictability of fight outcomes plays a significant role, with Sonnen noting that a Miocic victory would throw a wrench into the organization’s plans, potentially recalibrating the entire division. As fans look towards UFC 309 with excitement, the larger implications for the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions cannot be understated, indicating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape in the world of UFC.
Ultimately, as Sonnen posits potential matchups and scenarios, the conclusion remains that fans will need to stay tuned as the heavyweight division unfolds its next chapter, marked by uncertainty, opportunity, and perhaps unexpected rivalries.