Ex-adversary of Jon Jones expresses secret desire for his retirement, preferring him over facing UFC interim champion Tom Aspinall in combat.
Rebranded Article:
MMA Veteran Rashad Evans Holds Mixed Feelings on Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall Showdown
Former UFC rival Rashad Evans finds himself caught in a tussle of emotions when it comes to Jon Jones facing off against Tom Aspinall. Part of him yearns for the spectacle, but another part wishes Jones would retire on top instead of diving back into the arena.
Evans has walked down the UFC aisle for 13 years, sharing one fierce battle with Jones in 2012, ending in a unanimous decision defeat for the ex-champion. Jones, a former light heavyweight titan, eventually ascended to the UFC heavyweight throne, competing with the likes of Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic.
Aspinall, the Mancunian UFC interim heavyweight champion, is eagerly awaiting his chance to challenge for the strap, but Jones has left him waiting in the wings, causing mounting frustrations.
Fans argue that Jones' legacy could suffer if he overlooks the bout with Aspinall. However, Evans is a tad ambivalent, expressing, "I want to see it, but another part of me respects him for not taking the fight."
MMA enthusiasts consider the showdown a pivotal clash of generations, an opportunity missed if delayed any further. The heavyweight division is thriving, welcoming some of the most agile athletes in the organization over the last decade, with Aspinall being a standout example.
Tensions are mounting as Aspinall, still without a title shot, trains tirelessly without competition. He officially became the UFC's longest-reigning interim champion last week, leaving fans frustrated for fresh news and action on the title unification front.
Meanwhile, Andy Aspinall, who left his IT job two decades ago to teach his son MMA, expresses discontent over the UFC's reluctance to schedule the much-anticipated face-off.
UFC CEO White remains steadfast, expressing optimism about the Jones-Aspinall fight, although fans and critics grow impatient, without any concrete announcements about the UFC 317 main event during International Fight Week this summer.
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- Rashad Evans, a former UFC rival of Jon Jones, feels a mix of excitement and reservation regarding their potential matchup against Tom Aspinall.
- In 2025, the MMA world eagerly anticipates the pivotal clash of generations between Jones and Aspinall, which could significantly impact the UFC's heavyweight division.
- Spectators and analysts argue that Jones' legacy may suffer if he does not accept the fight against Aspinall, while Rashad Evans, somewhat ambivalent about the situation, acknowledges his desire to see the spectacle but also respects Jones' decision not to fight.
- Andy Aspinall, who left his IT job to teach his son MMA, shares the fans' frustration over the UFC's reluctance to schedule the Jones-Aspinall fight, adding to the growing tension around the potential title unification bout.
