UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones posted an eerie message as Tom Aspinall fight talks continue.
Jon Jones and interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall remain in talks with the UFC brass over making one of the promotion’s all-time biggest fights come to fruition. But as summer quickly approaches, news of a potential booking has stalled in recent weeks.
Aspinall recently became the UFC’s longest-tenured interim titleholder, stemming from his knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich on weeks’ notice at UFC 295. Since then, Aspinall defended the interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 as he continued to wait for the Jones showdown.
While Jones and Aspinall’s sides have expressed both optimism and uncertainty regarding a possible fight, it appears we could get some good news around the corner.
Jon Jones hints Tom Aspinall is ‘one last perfect spot’ in fighting legacy
Jones and the UFC have been in active negotiations since he successfully defended the title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. Despite some initial apprehension in granting Aspinall the next title shot, he pivoted on earlier retirement teases for one last appearance inside the Octagon.
As Jones continues to reflect on his legendary career, and with his sights set on what’s next, he shared a message that will excite fight fans.
In a recent Instagram post, Jones showcased his collection of fight posters and hinted that Aspinall will fill the missing place on his wall.
“Now, as you can see… still haven’t framed or hung the Stipe fight yet. Been moving a million miles an hour lately. But there’s one last perfect spot left on my wall of victory,” Jones said.
“And looking at this wall—it really hits me. This isn’t just artwork. It’s legacy. Every poster tells a story. Different chapters. Different homes. Different battles. Wins that meant the world at the time. Fights that made history.
“I’ve said it before, my career hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been undeniably legendary. Epic. Special. Just a few words that come to mind. Legend after legend. Era after era,” Jones continued.
“What I’m most proud of? I’ve evolved. I’m so much more than just a fighter. I’m a man growing stronger in my faith, a family man, a loyal brother to my team, a businessman, a leader, a man for my community. And I know—without a doubt—my mother would be proud of the man I’ve become.
“The wall’s almost filled… but trust me, the story’s still being written. The best is yet to come.”
With the UFC’s event slate for summer quickly coming together, Jones and Aspinall could potentially wrap up the season with a lineal heavyweight matchup. Jones vs. Aspinall might finally come to fruition as soon as September, or as late as December, according to the UFC’s latest schedule.
Since Jones made the full-time move from light heavyweight in 2020, a clash with an opponent of Aspinall’s caliber has been on the legend’s crosshairs. But Jones has fought just twice in five years, including his vacant title win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Insider shares UFC’s alleged backup plan for Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
As the wait continues for a Jones vs. Aspinall announcement, a UFC insider recently shared an alleged backup plan for the matchmakers. If Jones walks away and vacates the heavyweight title, Ciryl Gane is the most likely next opponent for Aspinall’s shot at the lineal championship.
Jones’s Instagram comments above are in stark contrast to his brief ‘GOAT’-themed post earlier this week. After Jones teased fans, the trolls were out in full force, accusing the UFC Hall of Famer of dodging the Aspinall fight.
UFC CEO Dana White remains committed to making the Jones vs. Aspinall fight come to fruition, as he most recently hinted following UFC Kansas City. Both Jones and Aspinall are expected to get lucrative payouts for the booking.