UFC’s Heavyweight Power Struggle: Tom Aspinall’s 19-Month Wait for Jon Jones
The UFC heavyweight division has become a battlefield of ego and evasion. Tom Aspinall, the UK powerhouse who demolished Sergei Pavlovich in November 2022 to claim the interim heavyweight title, has been left in limbo for a staggering 19 months while Jon Jones continues his masterclass in avoidance tactics.
The Heavyweight Cold War: Jones vs. Aspinall
Let’s call this what it is – Jon Jones is ducking Tom Aspinall. There, I said it. And I’m not the only one thinking it.
For over a year and a half, we’ve watched this bizarre dance where Jones pretends Aspinall doesn’t exist while Dana White tiptoes around the situation like he’s walking on championship belt-shaped eggshells.
Jones has instead focused on his upcoming fight with Stipe Miocic – a legend, sure, but one who hasn’t fought since March 2021 when Francis Ngannou separated him from consciousness and the heavyweight title.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
While Jones plays matchmaker for his own legacy, let’s look at what Aspinall has been doing:
- 5 UFC wins by first-round finish
- Average fight time: 2 minutes, 10 seconds
- Devastating KO of Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds to win interim gold
- Added Curtis Blaydes to his highlight reel in March 2024
Meanwhile, Jones has fought exactly once in the heavyweight division – against Ciryl Gane, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else that night.
Dana White’s Heavyweight Headache
I’ve watched Dana White navigate fighter disputes for years, but this one has him particularly twisted. At press conferences, the UFC president’s face turns almost as red as the octagon when Aspinall’s name comes up.
“Jon wants the Stipe fight for his legacy,” White keeps repeating, like a man trying to convince himself as much as the media. But the elephant in the room is growing larger by the day, and it’s wearing an interim heavyweight belt.
The truth? Jones holding the heavyweight division hostage while cherry-picking opponents isn’t just frustrating for Aspinall – it’s damaging the integrity of the sport.
The Fan Perspective
What makes this situation even more maddening is that fans are being robbed of potentially one of the greatest heavyweight matchups in UFC history. Jones, the strategic mastermind with unparalleled fight IQ, against Aspinall, the new-breed heavyweight with devastating power and surprising technical prowess.
The online MMA community isn’t staying quiet about it either:
“Jones is doing everything possible to retire without fighting Aspinall” – @MMAFanatic22
“Remember when champions actually fought the #1 contenders?” – @UFCOldHead
What’s Next for Aspinall?
So where does this leave Tom Aspinall? The British heavyweight has been admirably patient, continuing to take fights and proving his worth while Jones pretends he doesn’t exist.
After his recent win over Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall finally let his frustration show: “I’ve been waiting for Jones for too long. If he won’t fight me after Stipe, the UFC needs to make a decision.”
That decision may well be stripping Jones of his title if he continues to avoid the legitimate number one contender after the Miocic fight (assuming that fight actually happens this time).
The Real Heavyweight Champion?
I’ll say what many in the MMA world are thinking – Tom Aspinall is the real heavyweight champion right now. He’s fought the toughest competition available, hasn’t turned down any challenges, and continues to improve with each outing.
Jones may have the official belt, but Aspinall has earned the respect of the division and the fans through action rather than reputation.
The Bottom Line
Nineteen months is too long for any interim champion to wait, especially one as deserving as Aspinall. As fans, we should demand better from both Jones and the UFC.
The heavyweight division needs clarity, and fighters deserve opportunities based on merit, not marketing potential or legacy considerations.
What do you think? Is Jones justified in pursuing the Miocic fight, or should he face Aspinall first? Let me know in the comments below.
Source: CBS Sports