Tom Aspinall vows to not go down Michael Chandler path chasing Conor McGregor-like money fight 

Tom Aspinall is desperate to capture Jon Jones‘ UFC heavyweight title and prove himself as the best in the division currently. Despite his dominant performances, he has yet to get a fight against Jones, leaving fans eager for the matchup. The constant delay and lack of updates about the fight has made fans disinterested about this much anticipated title bout. 

Aspinall has now held the UFC interim heavyweight title for more than 500 days, and has already defended it once. The Brit is a fan favorite, and the fans don’t want him to waste time like Michael Chandler waiting to cash in on a Conor McGregor money fight. However, in a recent interview, Aspinall made the fans happy with an interesting revelation about waiting for Jones.

Chandler wasted over two years waiting for McGregor, missing out on other big fights while hoping for a massive payday. Despite coaching against ‘The Notorious’ on The Ultimate Fighter, the fight never materialized, leaving Chandler sidelined. He could have fought top contenders instead, but remained inactive. This move ultimately stalled his UFC momentum and career progress.

Mike Majlak: Is Jon Jones scared to fight you?

Tom Aspinall: Yes. pic.twitter.com/lGmU9B6zOB

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 26, 2025

Last year at UFC 309, Chandler finally dropped the idea of waiting for McGregor and fought Charles Oliveira. Now, he is scheduled to fight rising prospect Paddy Pimblett and fans have taken this opportunity to mock him, too. Aspinall would like to avoid the same situation, but, the back-and-forth with Jones is getting frustrating for the MMA community. 

Jon Jones’s ultimate risk against Tom Aspinall 

Tom Aspinall has done everything possible to secure a fight with Jon Jones, proving himself as a top-tier heavyweight contender. He consistently called out Jones, highlighting his skills, knockout power, and speed to prove he deserves the undisputed championship opportunity. Aspinall’s dominant performances, including his interim title win, showcase his ability to challenge Jones.

Despite his efforts, UFC politics and Jones’ plan complicate the matchup, leaving Aspinall in a dilemma. The UK native has much respect for Jones and his legacy; however, he believes he can beat the champion. Former UFC champion Sean O’Malley talked about the situation and shared the significance of the bout.

Jones’ legacy is at stake against Tom Aspinall as a loss could tarnish his GOAT status in UFC history. Despite the undisputed champion’s skillset, Aspinall’s youth presents a serious threat. A victory will cement Jones’s dominance, but a defeat raises questions about his longevity and ability to handle elite modern heavyweights.

Is Jon Jones overprotective about his legacy?

Jon Jones‘s UFC legacy is defined by dominance, skill, and various controversies. As the longest-reigning light heavyweight champion, he defeated various legends with ease. His move to heavyweight added to his greatness, but drug suspensions and legal issues tainted his reputation. Still, his unmatched talent makes him one of MMA’s greatest, putting him on the GOAT list of many experts.

On the other hand, Jones has shown signs of insecurity about his legacy. He has often addressed critics who compared him to other greats like Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He’s defensive about his controversies, frequently reminding fans of his record and title defenses. All of this only strengthens the narrative that Jon Jones is allegedly ducking Tom Aspinall.

Related: Tom Aspinall Net Worth, UFC contract, Endorsements and House

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