Last Saturday, Jon Jones retained his status as the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion by delivering a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The win marked a successful defense of the heavyweight title Jones captured in March 2023 at UFC 285 when he defeated Ciryl Gane. While “Bones” hinted at a possible retirement in the past, his post-fight interview suggested otherwise. Jones expressed a strong desire to face Alex Pereira, the former two-division champion in GLORY Kickboxing and current UFC star. However, this ambition contrasts with UFC President Dana White’s vision for Jones. White has repeatedly emphasized a title unification bout with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as the logical next step.

In the midst of these conflicting plans, Gordon Ryan, a close friend of Jon Jones and his grappling coach, offered a unique suggestion that could satisfy both camps. Speaking to “Full Send MMA,” Ryan proposed that Jones take some time off, allowing Pereira and Aspinall to fight for the unified heavyweight belt. The winner of that bout would then face Jones upon his return to the Octagon.

“Tom [Aspinall] is the interim champion. Alex is a two-division champion in GLORY and now a force in the UFC. If I were Jones, I’d take a break and let Alex and Tom unify the heavyweight belt,” said Ryan, who was in Jones’ corner during UFC 309.

Aspinall, who secured the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich last November, further solidified his standing by defending the belt against Curtis Blaydes in July. Meanwhile, Pereira, known for his devastating striking skills, has transitioned from middleweight to light heavyweight and is now rumored to be considering a move to heavyweight.

Ryan’s plan could provide an exciting narrative for the division while giving Jones the opportunity to recover and prepare for a highly anticipated showdown with the next undisputed champion. As the UFC’s heavyweight division remains stacked with talent, the decision now lies in the hands of Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers. Will they take Gordon Ryan’s advice and set the stage for one of the biggest heavyweight matchups in UFC history? Only time will tell.

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