“Rest is distraction!” Tom Aspinall offered words of wisdom by UFC welterweight GOAT after waiting 535+ days for Jon Jones

UFC welterweight GOAT Georges St-Pierre asks Tom Aspinall to stop waiting for the heavyweight championship against Jon Jones. 

“Rest is distraction!” Tom Aspinall offered words of wisdom by UFC welterweight GOAT after waiting 535+ days for Jon Jones

Georges St-Pierre shares his views on Tom Aspinall waiting for Jon Jones (via Imago)

The UFC heavyweight drama is frustrating many fans in the MMA community regarding the delayed title unification bout between the champions. Interim champion Tom Aspinall has waited over 540 long days for a rightful title opportunity against undisputed heavyweight king Jon Jones. However, Jones has consistently avoided the challenge, making the UK native wait more than 535+ days for his title shot.

In 2024, Aspinall did everything possible, from mocking Jones online to calling him a duck. Aspinall followed Daniel Cormier’s advice and aimed to provoke an angry response. However, nothing worked as the reigning champion never took Aspinall’s challenge seriously. Recently, consensus UFC welterweight GOAT Georges St-Pierre shared valuable wisdom to the British star for handling this situation.

I think Tom needs to focus on the next task. If he’s only focusing on if Jon Jones does not come back right away, he’s not focusing on the right thing. He needs to focus on the next path, because the rest, it’s a distraction. Tom should not focus on (Jones’ return) because it’s outside of his control, and he’s waiting a lot. He’s wasting a lot of energy focusing on that, and I know it’s very hard, but you need to sort of self-hypnotize himself to focus on the next thing and be hungry about the next task.

Georges St-Pierre via The Ariel Helwani Show 

However, this situation isn’t something Aspinall and his team are unaware of; they’ve recognized the delays and ongoing UFC politics. In a recent video, Aspinall’s father and trainer explained their readiness to face anyone, but the UFC continues blocking all alternatives. The father also criticized Jones for stalling the unification, questioning his responsibility both as a professional fighter and reigning champion.

Initially, Jones spoke about needing six full months of preparation time before agreeing to face the interim champion. On top of that, he reportedly demanded a massive $30 million payout, adding financial complications to an already difficult title negotiation. These ongoing demands have constantly made it difficult for UFC president Dana White to finalize and announce a concrete fight date.

Tom Aspinall to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC 317?

Tom Aspinall is currently among the most popular fighters on the UFC roster, gaining global attention with each impressive performance. His devastating knockout power and charismatic personality have made him a true fan favorite, with supporters eager for his next fight. In his most recent appearance, Aspinall defended his interim title by knocking out Curtis Blaydes in a dominant first round.

Ciryl Gane to fight Tom Aspinall next
Ciryl Gane to fight Tom Aspinall next (via X)

He has already fought some of the best fighters in the heavyweight division, excluding the corner interim champion, Ciryl Gane. In a recent interview, a UFC analyst talked about Aspinall’s next bout. He talked about his theory of UFC making this match-up given Jon Jones’ constant delay. 

If I had to put my money on it, I think they convince Tom Aspinall to fight Ciryl Gane. We’re two months out (from UFC 317), and I think they’ll throw a number. Tom wants to fight and he’ll be like, ‘All right, I’ll fight.’ Then they’ll throw a number at Ciryl Gane. It won’t be ideal for him, but they’ll throw a number he can’t refuse and he’ll have to take it, and I think it makes more sense that way.

Din Thomas via Mike Bohn

Gane’s last UFC fight occurred in 2024, at UFC 310, where he secured a controversial split-decision victory over Alexander Volkov in Las Vegas. Beyond the octagon, Gane has ventured into acting, appearing in films like Den of Thieves: Pantera (2025) and Medellin (2023). Despite his two title losses, the French fighter has incredible talent and can give Aspinall a tough challenge.

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