The UFC heavyweight division might get some needed clarity after Jon Jones’s big reveal.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones seemed destined for a clash with interim titleholder Tom Aspinall later this year, after numerous hints surrounding the super fight matchup. But things have taken a turn in recent weeks, and the fight has not come to fruition after all, contrary to the behest of fans worldwide.
Jones hasn’t fought since making his first UFC heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. After hinting at retirement leading up to UFC 309, Jones pivoted on that stance, and seemed to turn his attention towards negotiating with the UFC brass to make the Aspinall fight happen.
Aspinall is the UFC’s longest-reigning interim titleholder after waiting months to face Jones inside the Octagon for the lineal heavyweight championship. While he hinted at being in a good place in communicating with the UFC brass regarding the heavyweight division’s next move, Aspinall’s next fight might not take place against Jones after all.
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Fans roast Jon Jones after two-word reveal on UFC fighting future
UFC CEO Dana White recently told the UFC fanbase to ‘relax’ when asked about the state of the Jones vs. Aspinall fight during an Instagram live stream. While Jones and Aspinall have each hinted at uncertainty regarding the bout, White has remained adamant that the promotion will make the heavyweight unification bout happen.
But White and the UFC brass might have to resort to ‘Plan B’ after Jones hinted at his UFC future in a recent FaceTime with MMA fighter Kamal Gadzhiev.
As shared by Russian MMA publication Ushatayka, after Gadzhiev hinted at Jones’s status as an active UFC fighter, Jones dismissed the narrative.
“I’m done, I’m done,” Jones told Gadzhiev.
Jones’s comments come shortly after hinting at the UFC knowing his plans for a comeback fight, but despite this, nothing’s been formally announced by the promotion or Aspinall.
After Jones’s reveal went viral, UFC fans weren’t happy on social media.
“Strip this rat b—–, the division’s been held up for years by a guy who doesn’t want to fight anymore,” one fan wrote on X.
“After all this time, this is how he goes out? Wow, Jon might end up being one of the most hated OG fighters and completely tarnish his legacy from this,” another said.
“Retired him without even fighting him. Just as he said he would.”
“Strip this r—–.”
“The UFC enabling this cokehead and constantly f—– up divisions for him is ridiculous.”
“Most pathetic man in the sport, running from Tom. Just trip him so we can forget about this PED cheat.”
As of this writing, Aspinall hasn’t responded to Jones’s comments. If Jones hangs up the gloves, Aspinall will fight for the undisputed heavyweight belt against a top contender like Ciryl Gane.
Jon Jones ‘told the UFC his plans’ on Tom Aspinall unification bout
Jones has fought just twice since vacating the UFC’s light heavyweight title in 2020 after a narrow win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Jones won the then-vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 over Gane, after the UFC stripped Francis Ngannou of the belt following a tumultuous contract dispute.
Aspinall defended the interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July. He earned the interim belt by knocking out Serghei Pavlovich at UFC 295, following Jones’s withdrawal from the card due to injury.
We’ll continue to update you on Jones vs. Aspinall as updates surface.