Jon Jones abruptly ends podcast discussion following query about Tom Aspinall: "Goodbye for now"
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Jon 'Bones' Jones has dealt another blow to the buzz surrounding a potential fight against Tom Aspinall, walking out on a podcast interview and confessing his lack of interest in competing anytime soon.
The UFC heavyweight champion has been on the sidelines since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, leaving fans and MMA enthusiasts eager for him to defend his belt. Many have called for him to take on Aspinall, the British interim heavyweight titleholder who is desperate for a unification bout.
Even a petition has been crafted, urging UFC president Dana White to strip Jones of his belt. But Jones has consistently dismissed any talks of a battle with Aspinall, and the likelihood of both combatants locking horns appears remote at best.
During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast this week, Jones was asked what it would take for him to face off against Aspinall from the UFC. The question seemed to strike a nerve, leading Jones to label it "wild" and "off the cuff." With a casual dismissal, Jones left the podium, effectively slamming the door on any potential Aspinall matchup.
"What does the UFC have to do?" he was asked. In response, Jones quipped, "You've said something really wild and off the cuff. I'll see you guys later."
Earlier in the week, White had given Jones a two-week deadline to decide if he wanted to take on Aspinall. Yet, it seems unlikely White will receive the green light to make the fight happen, given Jones' comments and lack of enthusiasm for returning to the Octagon.
Should Aspinall find himself without a dance partner in Jones, he may face off against No. 2-ranked UFC heavyweight Ciryl Gane or two-weight world champion Alex Pereira, who is rumored to be moving up in weight.
This wasn't the first time Jones had walked out of an interview after being questioned about Aspinall. With talkSPORT's Adam Catterall in 2023, Jones abruptly ended their discussion, stating, "Because It's going to be an Aspinall fest. I'm not going to..."
With Jones' retirement, the UFC's heavyweight division faces an uncertain future. One that may not include the highly anticipated showdown between Jones and Aspinall.
- Despite the NFL, boxing, F1, and other sports engaging their audiences, the UFC finds itself in a predicament due to Jon 'Bones' Jones' disinterest in fighting, particularly against Tom Aspinall, a critical match-up for the heavyweight division.
- The lack of a definitive answer from Jones, a UFC champion with a championship belt at stake, leaves fans and MMA enthusiasts questioning the UFC's plans for a potential Jones-Aspinall fight, similar to how a team's roster shift attracts interest in the NFL or an unexpected boxing matchups gather attention in the ring.
- Gone are the days when UFC's heavyweight division was eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated fight between Jones and Aspinall, a bout that might have rivaled the intensity and anticipation of a Formula One Grand Prix or a heavyweight boxing match.
