Jon Jones confirmed that UFC officials reached out about appearing at UFC 300.
However, the reigning heavyweight champion had to decline as he continues to rehab from an injury.
“I did. I got a call from Hunter Campbell, one of the head lawyers of the UFC,” said Jones during an interview with Submission Radio. “He said, ‘Jon, I know it’s only nine weeks away, but if there’s any chance you’re feeling up to it, it would be awesome news for the community that you’re coming back and headlining one of the biggest events ever’.
“And, as honored as I am for the opportunity, I just don’t think I’ll be ready. I just don’t. So, I’m getting up there in age and I only have a few more events left, and I want to give those events my all and make sure that I come back 100 percent.”
Jones has been recovering from his torn pec suffered while preparing for a planned title defense last year vs. Stipe Miocic. The UFC has since crowned an interim heavyweight champion in Tom Aspinall.
However, plans remain in place for Jones and Miocic once they can get them signed up.
As for Aspinall, Jones offered this to his fellow fighter.
“As impressive as Tom is, he’s not important enough yet to determine my schedules and my decisions. That’s fair enough, huh?” Jones said. “If I were him, I would get after it, I would get after it. If you truly believe that you’re the best in the world, then get after it.
“Go out there and compete. And the real fans will count your victories as champions. But don’t let me slow you down. Go out there and kick butt and make your money.”
