Jon Jones issues Dana White blunt retirement ultimatum days before UFC 309 return as MMA icon makes feelings clear
JON JONES has issued Dana White and the UFC brass a huge ultimatum: Give me Alex Pereira or I walk.
The former pound-for-pound king returns to the octagon early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
Jones defends his heavyweight crown against former two-time champion king Stipe Miocic in what could very well be his swansong.
The MMA legend has, however, expressed an interest in sticking around for a showdown with surging superstar Alex Pereira.
And if ‘Poatan’ isn’t on offer, Jones will happily call time on his Hall-of-Fame career.
He told SunSport at the UFC 309 media day: “The main goal is to get past Stipe.
“And if I can do it in a really dominant, devastating fashion, then the desire in my heart would be like, ‘Okay, now it’s Alex Pereira.
“If the UFC doesn’t want that to happen, ultimately it’s the boss’s decision, then it won’t happen.
“And then I’ll just move on with my life.
“One of the ways I look at it, would you guys rather lose me or get one more super-fight.
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How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it's annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
“And the only super-fight that makes sense to me, not to everyone else, to me and my team is Alex Pereira.”
The fight nigh on every single MMA fan wants to see Jones compete in should he be successful against Miocic is a unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
But Aspinall’s attempts to poke at Jones’ ego and land his “dream” fight have seemingly backfired.
“If I’m being completely honest, “Jones said. “I feel like Tom’s been such an a**hole that I don’t want to do business with him.
“His fans have been so annoying and obviously you don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans or what not.
“But he’s just an a**hole.”
Jones hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since claiming the previously vacant heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 last March.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice