WATCH: “Jon got Kratos vibes” – Jon Jones rejects face-off with interim champ Tom Aspinall; interaction goes viral among fans

Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have their first meeting, which was way less cordial than expected.

WATCH: “Jon got Kratos vibes” – Jon Jones rejects face-off with interim champ Tom Aspinall; interaction goes viral among fans

Jon Jones congratulates Tom Aspinall after his knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich (via Imago/DAZN)

Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have created a bit of drama surrounding them. The champion and interim titleholder came face-to-face for the first time this week. However, the long-awaited meeting between the two champions was brief and dismissive on Jones’ part.

The video is just 16 seconds long. Aspinall was seen trying to get closer to Jon Jones to say hello. He then goes and shakes his hand. Aspinall then placed his hand on Jones’ shoulder. Jones reacted quickly and put Aspinall’s hand away. The interim champ got the message. Jones then hoped they could fight one day. Aspinall asked if they could take a picture while facing off. Jones declined this request, however.

YouTube video

The lukewarm reaction from Jones adds intrigue to a potential heavyweight unification bout. Fans have clamored for the two to settle their differences inside the octagon. Jones however seemed disinterested in validating Aspinall’s interim status. Aspinall claimed the interim heavyweight title last November by demolishing Sergei Pavlovich. He had hoped to unify the belts against the recovered Jones. Jones had to withdraw from his scheduled defense against Stipe Miocic due to injury. 

The UFC opted to book Jones vs. Miocic for the undisputed championship. This has left Aspinall on the sidelines. He is desperately seeking to fight to remain active during his prolonged wait. For now, Jones’ tunnel vision remains fixed on regaining his coveted undisputed status first. Only then might he entertain unifying against other heavyweights like Tom Aspinall seeking divisional supremacy.

Fight fans reacted to Jon Jones meeting Tom Aspinall

The highly anticipated first meeting between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall took an intriguing turn. Footage of their encounter quickly went viral. This ignited passionate responses from fans across social media.

Fight fans reacted to Jon Jones meeting with Tom Aspinall
Fight fans reacted to Jon Jones’s meeting with Tom Aspinall (via Imago)

Fight fans took to social media to express their opinions about this event. Many were taken aback by Jones’ dismissive reaction toward the surging British contender. Supporters of Jones praised his nonchalant, almost arrogant demeanor. Others argued Jones’ behavior represented disrespect and insecurity over Aspinall’s potential. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

https://twitter.com/8JKMMA/status/1769024049584209960

As the dust settled on their viral encounter, fight fans wondered whether they would see Jones vs. Aspinall in the octagon. Their impromptu face-off only provided a teaser for the theatrical buildup likely in store. It would be massive if the UFC matchmakers decide to finally book the undisputed heavyweight title unification bout.

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