Tom Aspinall remains persistent in his ambition to face Jon Jones.
Negotiations for a heavyweight title unification bout between interim UFC champion Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones have stalled, yet the animosity between the fighters is still evident.
Following Jones`s successful defense of his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, discussions shifted towards a potential matchup with Aspinall. Aspinall, after securing the interim belt at UFC 295, has only competed once while waiting for Jones, defending his title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
Talks for the Jones vs. Aspinall fight have now extended to approximately six months. While both fighters express optimism about finalizing the fight, UFC management continues to work on the details of the anticipated contest.
Aspinall Criticizes Jones as Fight Negotiations Linger
Before his fight with Miocic, Jones had mentioned a possible “super fight” with then-UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira instead of facing Aspinall. However, after Pereira`s defeat at UFC 313, the focus turned to a fight between Jones and Aspinall.
Despite the Aspinall fight seemingly being Jones’s primary option, recent progress in negotiations has been minimal. Initially, a clash between Jones and Aspinall was considered for UFC`s International Fight Week in June, but with only two months remaining, this timeline appears increasingly unlikely.
These ongoing delays are causing frustration for Aspinall, who was more actively competing earlier in his UFC career. If Jones decides to retire, Aspinall is likely to be elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion, a possibility UFC CEO Dana White has not dismissed.
In the meantime, Aspinall is training for his return to the Octagon, whether against Jones or another opponent. He also continues to verbally spar with Jones when opportunities arise.
In a recent word association game with TNT Sports, Aspinall used just two words to describe Jones.
“Strange guy,” Aspinall stated.
Jones previously led an explicit chant directed at Aspinall at a Dirty Boxing Championship event, having become a co-owner of Mike Perry’s new promotion earlier this year.
Former Jones Rival Urges Him to Avoid Aspinall Fight
UFC officials assert that the Jones vs. Aspinall fight is agreed upon, but they are still finalizing details regarding the location, venue, and date.
Vitor Belfort, a former light heavyweight opponent who once challenged Jones, has advised him to forgo the Aspinall fight and retire undefeated, suggesting Jones emulate Khabib Nurmagomedov`s career trajectory.
Jones hinted at retirement before UFC 309 but later shifted his stance, indicating upcoming discussions with White about a new contract. Initial rumors suggested Jones was seeking around $30 million to fight Aspinall, claims which have since been refuted.
As the anticipation for the next heavyweight title fight builds, the standoff between current titleholders Jones and Aspinall persists.
Rupert Hartwell