Jon Jones has responded to criticism after posting intense workouts ahead of his UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic.

Jones defends his heavyweight belt for the very first time against Miocic on November 17 in Madison Square Garden, New York City.

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Ahead of the bout, the UFC heavyweight champion has shared footage of himself sparring and completing various workouts and recovery methods such as oxygen therapy.

A video posted on Friday that showed Jones on a ski exercise machine, before cutting to a few snaps of ‘Bones’ in training, sparked a large online reaction.

The 37-year-old said on Thursday that he only wants to fight Alex Pereira in the current UFC roster if he can get past Miocic in 10 days.

This ignited debate in the MMA community as many fans believe it should be Aspinall, who is the interim heavyweight champion, that should be fighting Jones.

One user took to Instagram and commented: “Please fight Aspinall,” and Jones responded: “I’m sorry, bud, my days of fighting up-and-coming are over. I’m in a legends only league right now.”

Another said: “Jon running away Jones,” and the heavyweight champion responded: “Running away to life after fighting, I’m gonna be in movies one day. Mark my words.”

While a third replied: “Jon you’re about to ruin your goat legacy by ducking Tom,” to which Jones said: “It’s OK, my kids’ colleges are all going to be paid for. Mission complete.”

Jones returned to Dana White‘s promotion in March 2023 after a three-year hiatus to claim the heavyweight title for the first time by submitting Ciryl Gane.

42-year-old Miocic hasn’t fought in the UFC since dropping his heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021.

Aspinall is the official backup fighter for the bout, should either main event star pick up an injury and have to pull out. 

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Some fans were more positive with their comments to the MMA icon.

One said: “Hey Jon show us what you got on Saturday night man,” while Jones replied: “I’ll give you guys my best like I always do.’

Another added: “You got this,” and Jones responded: “Keep me in your prayers, please”

While a third commented: “Pre-fight motivational Jon Jones videos go hard”, to which the champ said: “I’m glad you enjoyed.”

Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023 by knocking him out inside the first round.

He has the shortest average fight time in the UFC’s history, having finished all but one of his opponents in the first round.

talkSPORT’s Adam Catterall had his say on the situation, he said: “Tom Aspinall is the biggest threat to Jon Jones’ ‘undefeated’ record and Jon knows that.

“The reward for Jon has to exceed the risk. Jon knows his worth. Tom wants it, The UFC want it, Dana wants it, the fans want it.

“Money talks. Jon is playing for an offer he can’t refuse.”

UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira would be a very worthy opponent for Jones.

Should he move up to heavyweight and defeat Jones, Pereira would be the first-ever UFC three-division champion, having already won the middleweight belt too.

But Aspinall is the interim champion and in order to unify the heavyweight division Jones must fight the Brit once he gets past Miocic.