Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall: Two years ago, on March 4, 2023, Jon Jones made his long-awaited return to the Octagon and reminded everyone why he’s considered the greatest of all time. After a three-year hiatus, he stepped up to fight Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285. Many questioned how Jones would perform after packing on extra weight and moving up a division, but those doubts vanished in just 124 seconds.
Jones wasted no time imposing his dominance, effortlessly taking Gane down and locking in a guillotine choke to secure the first-round submission. The win cemented his place as a two-division UFC champion and proved that even after years away, he was still on another level. Fans expected this to be the beginning of an exciting new heavyweight reign, but two years later, one question still lingers—when will Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall happen?
Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall: The Fight That Won’t Happen
Since Jones’ return, one name has constantly been linked to him—Tom Aspinall. The British heavyweight stormed onto the scene with his lightning-fast hands, slick grappling, and impressive finishing rate. In late 2023, he won the UFC Interim Heavyweight Title and immediately set his sights on a showdown with Jones to unify the belts. But despite months of talk, no fight has been booked.
Aspinall has been vocal about his frustrations, recently calling Jones out again in a YouTube vlog. He made it clear that the UFC has no problem making the fight happen, but the delay is coming from Jones’ side. “I’m chasing it. I want the fight… but what’s holding it up right now is his side.”
The 31-year-old also hinted that money could be a factor, questioning whether Jones wants to ensure he’s in a financially comfortable position before taking the risk of fighting him. “Does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me? That is where we’re at.”
Is Jones Avoiding Aspinall? Fans Seem to Think So
With no fight announcement, fans are starting to lose patience. Many believe that Jones is actively avoiding Aspinall, with some even calling it “the biggest duck in UFC history.” Others have suggested that if Jones doesn’t commit to the fight soon, the UFC should strip him of the title and make Aspinall the undisputed champion.
The frustration isn’t just coming from fans. Aspinall himself is tired of waiting and has even offered to defend his interim belt again just to stay active. But as long as Jones remains champion, the biggest fight in the heavyweight division is the one that isn’t happening.
What’s Next for the UFC Heavyweight Division?
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly stated that the promotion is working on the fight, but there’s still no official date. The pressure is on Jones now—either take the fight or face increasing criticism for delaying it.
For Aspinall, the waiting game continues, but one thing is clear—he’s ready for war. The only question is whether Jon Jones is willing to step up and face the new generation of heavyweights or if his legacy will be overshadowed by doubts about him avoiding the challenge.
Whatever happens next, the UFC heavyweight division is in a state of limbo until these two finally settle their unfinished business in the Octagon.
