“The fight is going to happen. It’s just a matter of when now, getting it signed and done. The fight will happen.” This is what UFC CEO and President Dana White said about the fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall finally going down in 2025. The business tycoon also believes their clash will be, “the biggest fight in heavyweight history.”
However, with each passing day, that reality is turning into a pipe dream. On one side, there’s a challenger who is frustrated because he isn’t getting the title shot. On the other hand, the champion isn’t just stalling the fight against Aspinall and the whole heavyweight division but also rubbing it in the faces of fans who’ve been questioning him.
On voicing his frustration about not getting a title shot in almost two years, Aspinall was the subject of heavy insults by Jones. The UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones delivered a blunt message directed at interim champion Tom Aspinall, telling him to “shut your mouth and do as you’re told.” The remark echoes the infamous Conor McGregor taunts from when he was at the top of the company.
In a bold move, Jon Jones has chosen to leave Conor McGregor behind and instead has selected Tom Aspinall for his dream, three-a-side team—a move that has taken the MMA world by storm. Jones was tasked with constructing his team within a $10 budget, with the following options:
So, is this move by Jones the latest in his series of mind games against Aspinall? Or is he finally giving some acknowledgment to Aspinall? Regardless, with each passing day, the question is the same. Will Jon Jones accept the Tom Aspinall fight? While the UFC and Jones try to figure out their struggles with each other, Tom Aspinall has tried to take the matter into his own hands. From raising his voice to collecting signatures, Aspinall is taking a stand to fight for his shot at the undisputed heavyweight throne.
A fan started a petition supporting Tom Aspinall, forcing the UFC to take action on Jon Jones
The UFC interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, recently took to social media and expressed his growing frustration over the prolonged wait for a unification bout with reigning champion Jon Jones. In a satirical jab on his Instagram, Aspinall said, “Sorry guys, I’m fighting for a new belt. Interim of the interim BMF UFC heavyweight title. Living my best life.” And with the UFC standing still on the issue, Aspinall’s tensions only seem to grow.
Despite UFC President Dana White’s assurances that a unification bout is a priority, no official announcement has been made to date, leaving the division in a state of uncertainty. Even the heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with reigning champion Jon Jones, he said, “Of course, I have a negative opinion about the delay of the Jones-Aspinall fight, since I am less likely to fight for the title, and time is running out. In other divisions, there is a real conveyor of fights for the belt. Therefore, I am unhappy.”
As the stalemate continues, Aspinall’s satirical take on the situation highlights the frustration felt by many in the MMA community. The ongoing issue of Jones’ avoidance has led to increased calls for the UFC to take action. A Change.org petition demanding that Jon Jones be stripped of his title has garnered over 108,000 signatures and counting. Yet despite Dana White’s assurance—nothing, not even a confirmation has come out.
The public pressure against Jones is increasing every day, and fans only want Aspinall to face him. The British MMA sensation has left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is the best heavyweight on the planet, but to solidify his name as such, he has to become the UFC heavyweight champion. But the champion is busy doing everything except face the number 1 contender for his belt.
As the heavyweight division remains in a state of uncertainty, Volkov’s and Aspinall’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among fighters and fans eager for clarity and progression in the heavyweight championship landscape. But the first step to begin that progression will come with the announcement of Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall, or by instating Aspinall as the active champion and stripping Jones as the petition demands.
So what will happen next? Will the pressure ever get to Jones, and we finally see him against Aspinall? Or will Jones force the UFC to strip him of the belt? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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