Chael Sonnen makes his opinion clear on how Alex Pereira and Jon Jones can push UFC to schedule their fight

Jon Jones made his anticipated return to the octagon last month as he defeated Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title for the first time. While he hinted at retirement leading up to the clash, 'Bones' revealed that he plans to continue his mixed martial arts career after his latest victory in a title fight.

While the heavyweight champion is interested in a super fight against Alex Pereira, UFC head honcho Dana White has shared that he expects Jones to face Tom Aspinall next. Chael Sonnen recently shared how he believes his former opponent can get the desired fight. Speaking in a video shared to his Instagram, the 'The American Gangster' stated:

"Jon is at two options right now - fight Tom, don't fight. Those are the two options. Now, generally, there would be three - create another fight. That ability has been taken from Jones. Jones will not be in there opposite anybody except for Tom. It's not completely true. Jon could always just go back to 205 pounds. Jon did the one thing they said he'll never do which is took the belt off and walked away from it. Jon's already done that."

Sonnen continued:

"I mean, if the Pereira army really spoke up - I don't know how badly Pereira wants to fight Ankalaev. I just don't know if it brings in the kind of attention that Pereira has enjoyed and would like to have. In fact, if you could sign on to fight Ankalaev or you could entice Jon Jones to come down and do that fight, I think that Pereira would be more in line for that, I'm guessing."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira below:

While Jones and Pereira are both interested in facing one another, it is unclear if the UFC will schedule their fight. It is unclear if 'Bones' could make the weight cut at light heavyweight, or if he has any plans to do so after dominating the division for much of his career.

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Dan Hardy snubs Jon Jones when naming best heavyweight

Dan Hardy recently weighed in on the debate surrounding the best heavyweight on the planet. The former mixed martial artist and current analyst snubbed Jon Jones, claiming it comes down to Francis Ngannou and Tom Aspinall.

Speaking to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Hardy claimed:

"I think Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound best. I think he's the best representation of mixed martial arts generally that we've ever see and I think he's still evolving, which is terrifying. But is he the best current heavyweight on the planet? I don't think so."

Check out Dan Hardy's comments on the best heavyweight on the planet below:

Hardy added it would come down to Ngannou and Aspinall, citing the former's power and latter's speed. While Jones has been dominant in two fights at heavyweight - defeating Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic with ease - 'The Outlaw' does not believe he is the division's best fighter.

'Bones' could face Aspinall on his next trip to the octagon. It is unlikely that either will compete against Ngannou, as he left the UFC in January 2023 and has since joined the PFL.