UFC interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall threw a subtle jab at Jon Jones’s recent flip-flops on retirement.
Tom Aspinall recently broke the record for the UFC’s longest interim title reign as he continues to wait for Jon Jones‘s decision on a comeback. Aspinall and Jones have traded barbs for almost two full years about a potential clash in the Octagon, and months after Jones’s last fight at UFC 309, negotiations remain at a standstill.
While UFC CEO Dana White remains confident in the Jones vs. Aspinall fight being booked for later this year, the two heavyweights are enjoying some time away from competition. Jones was supposed to coach opposite Nate Diaz on a spinoff of The Ultimate Fighter, but after Diaz’s leave from the show, he’s enjoying some vacation in Thailand.
Amidst the long wait for news on the Jones fight, Aspinall continues to mock his potential adversary on social media.
Tom Aspinall hilariously trolls Jon Jones as record-breaking interim title reign continues
Aspinall made headlines on Monday when he posted a cryptic ‘heavyweight news’ promo on his Instagram, leading many fans to believe a fight announcement was forthcoming. But Aspinall later recanted this narrative, saying that White and the matchmakers will announce his next fight at an undisclosed time.
Jones flip-flopped on retirement in a series of recent tweets, hinting at ‘living his best life’ in Thailand amidst uncertainty of his fighting future. After seeing Jones’s recent comments, it didn’t take long for Aspinall to respond, but he did it in an indirect fashion.
In a recent Instagram comment, Aspinall posted a follow-up that included a veiled shot at one of Jones’s recent remarks.
“Sorry guys I’m fighting for a new belt. Interim of the interim BMF UFC heavyweight title,” Aspinall commented.
“Living my best life [FIRE].”
The ongoing wait for a heavyweight title fight announcement prompted thousands of fans to petition for the UFC to strip Jones of the belt. The petition, organized through Change.org, has accumulated nearly 100,000 signatures from aggravated fans.
Top heavyweight slams Jon Jones for delayed Tom Aspinall fight booking
Fans aren’t the only ones who are becoming increasingly agitated with Jones’s stagnant position atop the heavyweight division. UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov recently expressed frustration with the UFC’s lack of action in moving the division forward.
Volkov lost a controversial split decision to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310, despite White and the matchmakers believing he was robbed on the judges’ scorecards. If Jones vacates the belt or is stripped, an undisputed heavyweight title fight between Aspinall and Volkov could make sense.
Aspinall defeated Volkov earlier in their careers in March 2022, earning a first-round submission. Aspinall has won three straight fights since injuring his leg against Curtis Blaydes in July 2022.
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