“It’s The Truth…” Tom Aspinall Doubles Down on ‘Retiring’ Jon Jones Without Antics, Teases New Fight

UFC champ Jon Jones teases plan to not fight Tom Aspinall; the Brit prompts a move on from PPV title unification.

“It’s The Truth…” Tom Aspinall Doubles Down on ‘Retiring’ Jon Jones Without Antics, Teases New Fight

Tom Aspinall doubles down on claims of retiring Jon Jones (Source: IMAGO/X)

There’s good news, and there’s bad news. UFC interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall will be returning soon and has a fix on his date. Bad news — those hopeful Jon Jones PPV super fight fanatics still holding on, there is nothing sweet on that front. The UK Native even doubled down as he wasn’t joking around, saying Jon Jones is done!

The official longest-reigning interim champ in active competition had opted for this PPV unifier with “Bones” for a long while. Frustrated that his rage-bait methods and skits are doing it, Tom Aspinall said that he’d retire the sitting-out Jon Jones even without fighting him. Lately, he conformed to it, saying Jones was done fighting. Now, he sticks to what he said.

I want to keep my job. I don’t want to say too much. People think I’m joking, but it’s the truth — Jon is retired. I’m not the kind of guy to pull any media stunts or anything like that. What I’m saying is the truth, and it will be announced pretty soon as far as I’m aware.

Tom Aspinall to The Independent (🎥: @Independent)

The British fighter said he has a new fight booking on the horizon. Jon Jones himself hasn’t said anything to prove that untrue or present a PPV title fight. 37 now, the American fighter said his body hurts everywhere, and he hasn’t trained since November.

Yet, Jones said it’s in the UFC brass’s best interest to keep him as the brand face champ, given he makes so much more sitting ducks and has been a company man, telling the executives what he planned to do.

Bones has engaged in combat on eight occasions over the past decade. A positive test for a Turinabol metabolite led to the overturning of one of those fights. Jones also came in green for estrogen blockers, clomiphene, and letrozole in 2016. He has four decision wins in that time, leading to two staggering UFC heavyweight ballot appearances later in 5 years.

Safe to say Jon Jones isn’t the biggest perpetuity royalty draw, bursting out PPV sales and touting himself the best bet to be champ. Meanwhile, since joining the UFC roster 5 years ago, Aspinall is 8-1, with astounding first-round finishes; the last of which came as a first-round TKO over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. However, there might be more than a silver lining beyond this Jon Jones snub.

Jon Jones super fight? Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou more of a possibility now in the heavyweight sphere

Francis Ngannou vacated the UFC heavyweight title and jumped ship to PFL grounds after a very publicized split. The Cameroonian overcame bigs like Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Alistair Overeem to secure his title reign.

Back when he did stomp the grounds, a Ngannou vs. Jon Jones super fight was one of the biggest what-if fights. However, Bones made a delayed shift to the division and sat out due to failed contractual negotiations.

Tom Aspinall might have a chance at even bigger UFC heavyweight clash
Tom Aspinall might have a chance at even bigger UFC heavyweight clash (Source: X)

Now, the “Predator” has defeated Renan Ferreira at the PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ pay-per-view and will need to defend his super fight belt. He has two standing fights left in his contract, after which he might just opt for free agency again.

Ngannou turns 39 in September. With his boxing money earned and the PFL’s top heavyweight in his sights and conquered, Ngannou might think about returning to the Octagon, if it makes business sense. At least according to coach Eric Nicksick, it’s a highly touted possibility; if so, a Tom Aspinall heavyweight showdown might just be in the books.

Enough time has passed, I would love to see them mend these fences and get back to competing in the UFC, …I think it’s more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side. Now where does his motivations come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.

Eric Nicksick to Dan Tom for Home of Fight

It would surely solve the UFC’s muddled 265-pound title picture and give in to one heck of a super fight. On the flip side — UFC boss Dana White — once threatened he’d never work with Predator after the publicized split in 2023. If they can work out the differences, UFC fans would be in for a treat.

Also Read: