Tom Aspinall Vacating Title Leaves Jon Jones Wanting UFC Comeback, Says Gable Steveson

Gable Steveson teases Jon Jones potentially returning to the UFC after Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title.

Tom Aspinall Vacating Title Leaves Jon Jones Wanting UFC Comeback, Says Gable Steveson

Jon Jones may return to UFC after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt (Image via MMA Fighting/X)

Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall had all the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime superfight in the UFC heavyweight division. However, Jones rejected the matchup despite Dana White and the promotion offering a reported $30 million paycheck.

This incident soured the relationship between White and Jones. Furthermore, Jones wanted to compete on the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House. The UFC CEO used Jones rejecting Aspinall superfight as a major reason to deny ‘Bones’ the opportunity to compete at the White House.

Beginning of this week, Aspinall vacated his title after health problems continued to affect him in his preparation to return. The British star required a double surgery after suffering a brutal eye-poke at the hands of Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

With Aspinall out of the title picture, interim champion Gane was promoted as the undisputed champion. The French fighter will likely face someone this year to defend his title.

Rising star Gable Steveson is currently training under Jon Jones to fulfill his championship potential in the UFC. Knowing Jones very well, Steveson teased a return for the GOAT candidate after Aspinall stepped away from competition.

I think Jon would like to come back also. Maybe seeing this belt open up put another fire into him. I’ve seen what [Jon] can still do, and I know he can do it at the highest level. Maybe his time will come again, and I think it will.

Gable Steveson told RMC Sport Combat

Steveson had much hype behind him before entering the UFC. Due to his association with Jones, commentator Joe Rogan eagerly wanted Dana White to sign the accomplished wrestler.

Nothing is set in stone at the moment. Jones has always spoken about coming back to the octagon if it was necessary. At the moment, he is focused on coaching Steveson to rise up in the UFC heavyweight division.

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Jon Jones made a subtle comment about Tom Aspinall vacating the heavyweight title

Tom Aspinall did everything in his power to fight Jon Jones. At one point, he made troll videos to irritate ‘Bones’ into accepting a bout against him. None of that worked in the end.

Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall
Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall (Image via SPORTbible/X)

After the no-contest ending at UFC 321, Jones trolled the British star and even called him a quitter. Recently, Jones agreed with a fan stating that Aspinall took the easy way out after the heavyweight champion vacated his title.

The response from Jones had a mixed response on X. Although some fans agreed with him, others criticized him for ducking Aspinall. Some fans felt that the former light heavyweight champion was ‘rage-baiting’ fans with such a tweet.

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UFC legend thinks Tom Aspinall may never fight again

After Tom Aspinall announced his decision to vacate the belt, many former fighters have come out with what they think will happen moving forward. Aspinall is not retiring at the moment. He will focus on getting healthy to a point where further damages won’t take a toll on his health.

Tom Aspinall after suffering brutal eye pokes
Tom Aspinall after suffering brutal eye pokes (Image via Yahoo Sports)

While fans hope that Aspinall can return to the octagon in the future, Demetrious Johnson has another perspective on the matter. The former UFC flyweight champion admitted that it wouldn’t shock him if Aspinall retired from fighting.

I would be shocked if Tom Aspinall fights again. Every time when it comes to fighting and training that eye will be in compromised. I’m thinking worse key scenario. I wouldn’t risk me losing my vision and not being able to see my kids.

Demetrious Johnson said on his YouTube Channel

‘Mighty Mouse’ spoke from the perspective of a father and husband. Aspinall once opened upon his son getting an autism diagnosis. As such, Johnson thinks that Aspinall may not fight again.

Aspinall once returned from a devastating ACL injury to capture the interim title. He has done it once, and fans are hoping to see him to do it once again.

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