The UFC heavyweight title saga between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has seemingly reached a damning conclusion, with Jones putting the blame on the promotion.
For several months now, UFC fans have been left seething with Jon Jones after he has continuously delayed a potential title unification fight against Tom Aspinall.
UFC boss Dana White has continued to try and keep the positivity among the fanbase, claiming on several occasions that the fight would ‘100%’ happen, despite Jones’ antics.
However, this Friday, the saga reached a damning conclusion after ‘Bones’ seemingly confirmed his retirement from the UFC with a thread of posts on social media.
Jones accuses the UFC of ‘holding up’ the heavyweight division
The UFC heavyweight champion is currently in Thailand where he is filming a Russian reality TV series, which is the equivalent of The Ultimate Fighter.
Attempting to kill some time, Jones has taken to X this Friday where he has continuously responded to fans who have criticized him for ducking the Brit.
However, in a more damning statement, the longtime UFC star has accused the UFC of being the ones that are holding up the heavyweight division, stating that he told them of his plans long ago.
“I spoke to the UFC a long time ago about what my future plans were,” Jones began to explain.
“I haven’t really worked out since my last fight in New York City. Honestly, I believe it’s been in the UFC’s best interest to keep presenting me as the company’s champion – not Tom.
“I’ve just been playing the role of company man by doing nothing at all… And holding the position. And truthfully, it’s been incredibly lucrative. I’ve made more money off of Tom being the interim champ than Tom has himself.
“It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings,” Jones continued.
Jones claims that recent heavyweight saga won’t tarnish his legacy
It is undeniable that Jones will go down as arguably the greatest fighter of all time but unfortunately, the recent heavyweight saga won’t benefit his legacy.
Despite that, the 37-year-old has argued that despite having not fought Aspinall although the UFC fanbase has been calling for it, it will not tarnish his legacy.
“That’s the problem with some young men, you think your last outcome is your legacy. That’s why when many of you fall short, you can’t find the strength to return.
“But here’s the truth: your legacy isn’t your last move. Legacy is what no one can take from you. It’s built over time, not defined by a single win or loss,” he claimed.
Seemingly, all that is left for the heavyweight division to move on is an official statement from the UFC confirming Jones’ retirement from the sport.