Jon Jones is currently facing criticism from many within the UFC community, including one of the sport`s most prominent current figures, Paddy Pimblett, concerning his recent actions and the status of the heavyweight division.
The proposed heavyweight title unification bout between undisputed champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall has reached a point of significant confusion. This follows recent social media activity from Jones, where he seemed to indicate his retirement from fighting.
Despite Jones`s online statements, UFC President Dana White addressed the potential matchup with the media after UFC 316. Although White was apparently unaware of Jones`s most recent social media comments at the time, he confirmed that Jones had previously verbally agreed to fight Aspinall.
However, White also highlighted that negotiating with Jones can be challenging, drawing a comparison to dealings with UFC legend Anderson Silva.
Adding to the uncertainty, rumors have circulated that despite White`s comments about a previous agreement, the 37-year-old Jones has since informed the UFC that he is no longer interested in facing Aspinall.
This ongoing delay and apparent reluctance from Jones to face the interim champion have attracted considerable criticism from both the UFC fanbase and notable fighters like Paddy Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett and Tom Aspinall Comment on Jon Jones
“Obviously Tom is the best heavyweight in the world. Especially the best active heavyweight in the world,” Pimblett stated in a recent video shared on his YouTube channel. Speaking with Aspinall after a training session, Pimblett addressed the persistent uncertainty surrounding the potential fight with Jones.
Aspinall shared his perspective on the situation, suggesting that Jones might be past his prime. “Everybody reaches a sell by date, don`t they? Everybody has got a time limit, he`s reached it and we move on,” Aspinall remarked.
Pimblett agreed strongly, adding his opinion on how the situation should be handled by the UFC. “I reckon anyone else in that position would have been stripped… He should be stripped now,” Pimblett asserted.
Paddy Pimblett Believes Jon Jones Has Disappointed the MMA World
Further reports from reputable MMA journalist Ariel Helwani suggest that while Jones may not be planning a full retirement, he is specifically disinterested in fighting Aspinall at this time. This perspective aligns with the frustration voiced by many.
“The fact he’s not stepping up and fighting you, he’s let the whole MMA fanbase down,” Pimblett commented, addressing Aspinall directly. He emphasized the added disappointment given Jones`s status as the reigning champion while Aspinall holds the interim belt. “And it’s even more in that case when you’re the reigning heavyweight champion of the world and you’ve got someone holding interim,” Pimblett concluded.
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