UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has expressed frustration at the lack of updates on his future, telling fans that he has “no clue” why the UFC haven’t provided any information on his next fight. The American champion has been in a state of limbo for several months, with many speculating that he will face British interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a unification bout.
According to talksport.com, Jones, 37, is nearing the record as the longest-reigning UFC heavyweight champion of all time, but has only defended the belt once since winning it in March 2023. He defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to claim heavyweight gold, but was unable to defend it against the now-retired Stipe Miocic after injuring his pectoral muscle.
During Jones’ absence, Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title to cement his name as the No. 1 contender to the American’s throne. However, the Briton was forced to defend his interim status at UFC Manchester last July, as Jones opted to pursue a legacy bout with Miocic instead. Jones has continued to snub the 32-year-old from Wigan for a unification bout since he retained the strap against Miocic at UFC 309, even though UFC CEO Dana White has said numerous times the superfight will happen.
In a recent social media exchange, Jones told fans that he had informed the UFC of his plans “a long time ago” and was unsure why they hadn’t been made public. “Ya’ll barking up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet,” he said. When one fan asked what his plans were, Jones replied: “To continue to monetise on his amazing brand that I’ve created.”
Jones’ posts sparked a major reaction in the MMA community, with some fans expressing frustration at the delay to his next fight. However, the champion seemed to relish the attention, telling one fan: “This, this attitude, right here is making me a very wealthy man. This desperation is incredibly lucrative, so thank you. Keep it coming.” talksport.com reported that it is unclear what Jones’ plans are, but it is believed that he is holding out for a lucrative payday to face Aspinall.
The delay to the Jones vs Aspinall fight is starting to become a major issue, with talksport.com reporting that Aspinall has been the interim heavyweight champion for over 500 days. Under any other circumstances, he would have been awarded his title shot by now. Aspinall has opened up about the ongoing negotiations, saying that he believes Jones’ financial demands are holding up their meeting.
Aspinall has been keeping busy, defending his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024. He has the shortest average fight time in UFC history with six KO’s in the promotion, and is statistically the deadliest fighter in the UFC, having finished seven of his eight victories in the promotion within the first five minutes. talksport.com reported that Jones has reportedly asked for a lucrative monetary package to get into the Octagon with Aspinall, as he realises his time in the sport is limited.
The former light heavyweight king is still widely viewed as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time by several UFC fans, but if a fight with Aspinall doesn’t take place his legacy could be tarnished forever. As talksport.com reported, Aspinall’s last five fights have all ended in victory, with four of them coming via first-round KO. His impressive record and devastating fighting style have made him a formidable opponent for Jones, and it remains to be seen when the two will finally face off in the Octagon.
In related news, Tom Aspinall’s dad has slammed Jon Jones and the UFC amid the title fight delay. talksport.com has more on this story.
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