Jon Jones’ mega announcement ruffled the feathers of many UFC fans hoping for news about a potential Octagon return.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones nearly broke the internet earlier this week when he teased a ‘huge announcement’ amidst speculation about a fighting return. After he stopped Stipe Miocic in his first heavyweight title defense in November, Jones and his team immediately entered negotiations with the UFC brass for a potential fight with interim champ Tom Aspinall.
Since winning the then-vacant heavyweight belt in 2023, Jones’ activity level has remained low due to injury and delayed contract talks. He initially refused to fight Aspinall in the lead-up to UFC 309 but pivoted on that stance after finishing Miocic with Aspinall sitting Octagonside.
Despite expressing optimism about finalizing a deal with the UFC to return to the Octagon later this year, Jones remains unbooked for a potential comeback. Aspinall, who defended the interim heavyweight belt at UFC 304, is becoming increasingly frustrated with Jones’ hiatus.
While Jones’ announcement was aimed at a noble cause, it wasn’t what many UFC fans hoped for.
Jon Jones infuriates fans eager for fight news after social media announcement
In a post to his social media pages, Jones announced his support for a non-profit aimed at challenging the current U.S. healthcare system.
“While this may not be a traditional fight for me, it’s obvious that too many Americans are being hurt and forced into medical debt or bankruptcy by a Healthcare System so greedy that hospitals and insurers hide their actual prices so they can charge us whatever they want,” Jones began.
“Their “estimates” are b—— and the corporate greed in American healthcare is breaking people and families across the United States. I’ve seen it countless times in my own community where I have friends, family, and neighbors who are afraid to even get the care they need because the entire system, without real prices upfront, is dishonest and rigged for corporate profit.
“Time to hold these healthcare bullies accountable. Power to the people… Power to the Patients.”
While Jones’ announcement was focused at a noble cause, UFC fans were not happy after initially expecting him to announce his return to the Octagon, likely against Aspinall.
“Ruined my day,” one fan replied.
“When did Tom start working for the healthcare system?” another responded.
“I’m f—ing fuming guys”
“No way this is the big announcement.”
“We all knew it wasn’t going to be a fight.”
“Mannn that was super disappointing.”
“Did anyone else just instantly click off the video before he even said anything?”
“I thought this would be you and Dana’s marriage proposal.”
“Tom was right, he will retire Jones without even fighting him.”
“This is number one bu——“
UFC CEO Dana White‘s latest update on Jones vs. Aspinall revealed no alleged ‘hold up’ in negotiations, after rumors Jones was asking for $30 million to return. But White also shared he’d likely strip Jones of the heavyweight title if Aspinall fight talks don’t progress.
Dana White threatened to strip Jon Jones if the Tom Aspinall fight fell through
Another interesting element to the Jones vs. Aspinall fight is Jones’ interest in facing UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. After Jones repeatedly called for a Pereira fight ahead of UFC 309, Pereira expressed mutual interest in making the fight happen ahead of his UFC 313 title defense.
If the Jones vs. Aspinall fight talks don’t make significant headway in the coming weeks, White and the UFC could take drastic action against the heavyweight champion to keep the division moving. Aspinall could potentially face another top contender, like Ciryl Gane, for the vacant title if the UFC strips Jones.
In reaction to a lackluster heavyweight fight at UFC Saudi Arabia, Aspinall poked Jones to ‘stop holding up’ their bout to return entertainment to the division. As of this writing, Aspinall’s comments remain unaddressed by Jones.
Jones vs. Aspinall would likely be the biggest fight in UFC heavyweight history. But for now, the matchup has more questions than answers associated with it.