UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi was meant to be Tom Aspinall’s crowning moment as the undisputed heavyweight king. Instead, it turned into a bizarre and painful disaster. His first title defense against Ciryl Gane ended abruptly in the opening round after the Frenchman accidentally poked both of Aspinall’s eyes, leaving the British fighter unable to continue.
The fight was ruled a No Contest, much to the dismay of the crowd, who booed as the main event came to a premature halt. Aspinall, visibly upset and in pain, was later taken to the hospital.
“I just got poked knuckled-deep in the eyeball,” he said during his post-fight interview. “What am I supposed to do? I can’t see!”
It was a tough pill to swallow for a man who had waited over a year for a defining moment as the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion.
Jon Jones Adds Fuel to the Fire
While the MMA world reacted with shock and sympathy for Aspinall, Jon Jones saw an opportunity to stir the pot. The former two-time light heavyweight and heavyweight champion updated his Instagram and X profile picture to a cartoon duck wearing an eye patch a not-so-subtle jab at the injured Briton.
The image played on long-running jokes among fans who accused Jones of “ducking” Aspinall before his retirement. It was classic “Bones” behavior provocative, cryptic, and impossible to ignore.
Jones’s post quickly went viral, sparking fresh debate about his rivalry with Aspinall. Many viewed the move as petty, while others called it vintage Jones, a master troll who knows how to keep his name in the headlines even when he’s not fighting.
The Rivalry That Never Was
For years, fans dreamed of a Jones vs. Aspinall super fight. But timing, injuries, and retirements always seemed to get in the way. When Jones tore a pectoral muscle in late 2023, Aspinall won the interim heavyweight belt by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich. Instead of unifying the titles, Jones chose to face Stipe Miocic in 2024, a move that frustrated Aspinall, who publicly accused the American of avoiding him.
When Jones officially retired earlier this year, the UFC elevated Aspinall to undisputed champion. But now, with Jones hinting at a comeback, the heavyweight division suddenly looks chaotic again.
Jones Turns His Eyes to Pereira
Rather than address the Aspinall-Gane controversy directly, Jones focused on something else entirely: Alex Pereira. The Brazilian knockout artist, who reclaimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 320 by stopping Magomed Ankalaev, recently called out Jones for a potential fight.
Jones responded almost immediately, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
The comment referenced the UFC’s proposed “White House event,” a rumored show that could take place on the South Lawn next year. Whether such a card materializes is still uncertain, but Jones’s message reignited speculation about his long-awaited return.
Could Jones vs. Pereira Actually Happen?
Jones vs. Pereira would be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. “Bones” is widely regarded as the greatestfighter of all time, while Pereira is chasing a third world title in a third weight class an unprecedented feat.
The matchup also offers a compelling clash of styles: Jones’s wrestling and fight IQ against Pereira’s elite striking and knockout power. However, several logistical hurdles stand in the way. Pereira currently holds the light heavyweight title and is expected to defend it soon, possibly against Carlos Ulberg. Meanwhile, Jones’s comeback hinges on the UFC finalizing the White House event and on the 38-year-old’s health.
What’s Next for Aspinall and Gane?
As for the heavyweight picture, the UFC will likely schedule a rematch between Aspinall and Gane once the Brit recovers. Both fighters expressed regret over how their first bout ended. “I’m sorry for the crowd, for Tom, and for myself,” said Gane after the fight. “This is the sport.”
Aspinall, for his part, will want to erase the memory of UFC 321 as soon as possible. A dominant rematch win could restore his momentum and perhaps reopen the door for a Jones clash — if “Bones” truly decides to un-retire.
Conclusion: Jon Jones Stays in the Spotlight
Even in retirement, Jon Jones remains the most talked-about figure in mixed martial arts. Whether it’s trolling rivals, teasing comebacks, or flirting with headline-grabbing superfights, the former champion has mastered the art of staying relevant.
While Tom Aspinall recovers from one of the strangest endings in recent UFC history, Jones seems intent on reminding the world that the “Bones Era” may not be over just yet.
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