The pair have been tipped to go head-to-head in the cage this year, but it seems as if the heavyweight champion isn’t keen on fighting again
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has shocked the MMA world by hinting he might be finished with the UFC – which serves as a huge blow to Tom Aspinall.
The 37-year-old made the move up to heavyweight in 2023 and claimed the title after defeating Ciryl Gane. Since then, the UFC icon has only defended the gold strap once – a stunning knockout win over Stipe Miocic last November in New York.
Although it seemed Jones might hang up his gloves following the Miocic bout, the former light-heavyweight champion later hinted at staying in the UFC for at least one more fight. A unification fight with Aspinall appeared on the cards, yet Jones has been dismissive of the UK fighter in recent times.
Jones has been locked in extensive talks with UFC chiefs about a match-up with the Wigan warrior, with Dana White indicating that an announcement was on the horizon. However, new footage has surfaced showing Jones seemingly contradicting White’s statement, as he responded to a question about his return by saying: “I’m done.”
His comments came just hours after providing a rather cryptic update regarding a potential clash with Aspinall. On Monday, he tweeted about how he’s losing weight during his time in Asia. A fan replied: “Enjoying your last days as champ before being stripped I see eh Jon?” The comment seemed to rile Jones up a tad as he replied: “Stripped? Lol, do I come across as the type of person who cares about things like that?”
Another hardcore UFC fan claimed that the American is worried about the belt – otherwise – he would have vacated it already. “Yall barkin up the wrong tree,” Jones replied. “I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.”
Ignoring queries about a potential clash with Aspinall, Jones sidestepped with: “To continue to monetize on this amazing brand that I’ve created.” In an interview with journalist Adam Glyn last Friday, White provided the latest on Jones’ future. “He’s fighting. He will be fighting,” he said. “Yes. Absolutely,” he added when asked if Jones will return in 2025.
Aspinall is growing frustrated and remains puzzled as to why the fight hasn’t officially been announced. The Brit – who has not fought since defeating Curtis Blaydes last July – believes it is the financial demands of Jones that are holding up a full agreement. He said: “Me personally, I can’t do anything. I think it’s just down to money, on his side. I will fight whenever, wherever he wants, but it’s down to money, I think.
“When you put him in with a guy of my size who has those credentials, at this stage in his career, I think Jon is a smart guy and he realises that he wants to be compensated financially for it. I’m well bored of it, I’ve had enough. We either need to fight or I need to move on, do something else.”
