Tom Aspinall Blames Jon Jones For Delay In Making Superfight

Published by Paul Browne on March 2, 2025

Tom Aspinall Points Finger At Jon Jones

Ever since he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich under the Madison Square Garden lights in November 2023 to become the UFC interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has been relentlessly chasing a unification fight against the division’s reigning champion, Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC).

Aspinall’s opportunity to win the interim title came on short notice due to Jones suffering a long-term injury leading up to his fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. Once ‘Bones’ announced he was returning to the Octagon in late 2024, the clamour for a fight between the two became deafening.

Jones ignored Aspinall’s pleas and instead fought Miocic upon his return. After dispatching of the former champion with consummate ease at UFC 309 in November, Jones poured cold water on any suggestion he might face Aspinall next, insisting that a bout with the Brit didn’t excite him. He tweeted, “I know it’s hard for a lot of you guys to grasp, but based on his résumé today, fighting and beating (Aspinall) would change nothing about my legacy. I would literally be in the same position I am now.”

Aspinall Speaks Out About Potential Jones Fight

Aspinall has been in limbo since knocking out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, as he waits for UFC president Dana White to follow through on his promise to make the fight with Jones. Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, the Englishman insisted the delay is entirely due to Jones and his team.

“Where we’re at right now is, I have spoke to the UFC on multiple occasions on this fight,” Aspinall said. “I’m chasing it. I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying, ‘I want the fight. When’s it happening?’ I want the fight more than anyone. What is holding it up right now is his side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really, really want the fight to happen. They’ve told me that. This is one of the biggest fights in MMA. Does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me? And that is where we’re at.

“The UFC tell me, they assure me they are doing everything they can to make this fight. So as far as I’m aware, this is now totally down to Jon Jones and his team to work that out. I’m literally just waiting for a date. But what’s holding it back is the UFC want to make the fight with me and Jon, and as far as I’m aware, it’s now about maybe financial, or otherwise. I’m not too sure, to be honest. I’m just waiting for the call right now.”

“I said quite a while ago now: I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting,” Aspinall said. “That’s something that I said. Jon, let’s do it. If you want to do it, you don’t have to ask me twice. If not, I’ll fight somebody else for the undisputed belt. Happy to fight anybody. Any time, anywhere – doesn’t matter. I’m ready to go.”