Previous UFC opponent of Jon Jones expresses a hidden desire for Jones to retire rather than face Interim Champion Tom Aspinall in combat.
Gimme the Lowdown on Rashad Evans' Take on Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall
UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans finds himself torn about the upcoming fight between his old rival, Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall.
While the fan in Evans is engaging and eager to witness the spectacle, the careful observer within him wishes for Jones to retire as a champion on top, without the risk of facing the promising Brit, Aspinall.
Evans faced Jones during his illustrious 13-year UFC journey, losing in a unanimous decision during their light heavyweight title clash in April 2012. Since then, Jones racked up an impressive 11 title defenses, securing the heavyweight title in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane and knocking out Stipe Miocic last November.
With Aspinall waiting in the wings, the tension is mounting for the heavyweight interim champion, who has grown increasingly frustrated with not receiving his title shot.
Some fans believe Jones could tarnish his legacy without facing Aspinall, while Evans remains ambivalent about the situation.
"I'm kinda torn about it," Evans admitted to MMA Fighting. "I feel like the fan side of me definitely wants to see it. I want to see it for sure. But the other part of me, who's like very impressed by what Jon Jones is able to do, wants to see him go out on top and not even have to [fight again]. Because there's always going to be somebody. He beats Tom Aspinall, people [will say], Yeah, [but] there's this new guy. There's always going to be that one last dragon to vanquish."
Evans then showcased his appreciation for Aspinall, describing him as a fantastic, agile fighter who represents the new breed of elite combatants shaping the UFC's heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, Aspinall's camp is growing more impatient as the 31-year-old continues to wait for his opportunity to face Jones, despite solidifying his interim heavyweight title in November 2023 and defending it eight months later in a thrilling fashion against Curtis Blaydes at UFC Manchester.
Despite verbal commitments from UFC President Dana White, the fight still remains uncertain due to the prolonged negotiation process and Aspinall's persistent health issues. Fans eagerly await the official announcement, while analysts debate whether the fight will truly live up to the hype once it materializes.
Despite Rashad Evans' personal sentiments, he acknowledges the appeal of the upcoming Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall UFC match, expressing his desire to witness the event. Additionally, Evans, a seasoned observer in the world of MMA, sports, and boxing, recognizes the potential impact Aspinall could have on the heavyweight division, lauding his agility and elite status as a rising combatant.
