Tom Aspinall Done Waiting for Jon Jones: “He’s Basically Retired”
The UFC heavyweight division has a new problem – and his name is Tom Aspinall. The interim champion has officially run out of patience with Jon Jones and isn’t holding his breath for a unification bout anymore.
In a candid interview that’s sending shockwaves through the MMA community, Aspinall expressed what many fans have been thinking: Jon Jones might never fight him.
Aspinall’s Bombshell: “Jones Is Retired In My Eyes”
Tom Aspinall didn’t mince words when discussing the elusive “undisputed” heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The British knockout artist, who captured the interim title with a devastating first-round finish of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, has grown tired of the waiting game.
“I’ve moved on from Jon Jones,” Aspinall declared. “In my eyes, he’s basically retired. He hasn’t fought in over a year, and the only fight he seems interested in is Stipe Miocic, who hasn’t competed since 2021. Meanwhile, I’m here, ready to fight anyone.”
This statement comes after months of Aspinall campaigning for a unification bout, only to be met with silence from Jones’ camp.
The Heavyweight Holding Pattern
The situation has created a bizarre scenario in the UFC’s premier weight class. We have:
- Jon Jones – The “undisputed” champion who hasn’t defended his title
- Tom Aspinall – An interim champion with devastating power who’s actively competing
- Stipe Miocic – A former champion who hasn’t fought since getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou in 2021
I’ve been watching this division for years, and I can’t remember a time when the title picture was this convoluted. It’s like having a king who never shows up to rule his kingdom.
Why Jones vs. Aspinall Makes Sense (But Might Never Happen)
Let’s face it – Jon Jones has carefully selected his opponents throughout his career. His move to heavyweight was calculated, facing Ciryl Gane (a skilled fighter, but not known for one-punch knockout power) rather than Francis Ngannou, who had already left the UFC.
Aspinall represents everything dangerous about heavyweight MMA:
| Fighter Attribute | Why It’s Dangerous for Jones |
|---|---|
| Knockout Power | Aspinall has finished 10 opponents by KO/TKO |
| Grappling | BJJ black belt with 3 submission wins in UFC |
| Speed | Moves like a middleweight despite heavyweight frame |
| Youth | At 31, he’s 5 years younger than Jones |
What’s Next for Aspinall?
With Jones seemingly set on the Miocic fight (if he fights again at all), Aspinall appears ready to forge his own path.
“I’m focused on active fighters who want to compete,” Aspinall said. “Whether that’s Curtis Blaydes, Ciryl Gane, or someone else in the top five, I just want to fight. That’s why I got into this sport.”
The UFC now faces a difficult decision. Do they continue to wait for Jones to return, potentially keeping one of their most exciting heavyweight prospects on the shelf? Or do they allow Aspinall to defend his interim title?
The Fans Deserve Better
You know what’s frustrating as an MMA fan? Seeing divisions held hostage. We’ve witnessed this scenario play out before with other champions who pick and choose opponents while worthy contenders wait in the wings.
Aspinall’s frustration mirrors that of the fanbase. We want to see the best fight the best. Period.
What do you think? Should the UFC move on from Jones and elevate Aspinall to undisputed status? Or should they keep waiting for a potential Jones return? Let me know in the comments!
I’ll be following this situation closely and updating as new developments emerge. One thing’s certain – the heavyweight division drama is far from over.
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