Tom Aspinall solidified his opportunity to challenge heavyweight champion Jon Jones for the title unification when he claimed the interim heavyweight belt on November 11, 2023, by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. However, Jones has shown little urgency to make this highly anticipated fight a reality.
Initially, Jones’s absence from the ring can be attributed to an injury recovery. The necessity for an interim belt arose after he was forced to withdraw from a title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Aspinall, stepping in for Jones at UFC 295, showcased his prowess by finishing Pavlovich with just two weeks to prepare. He later defended his interim title successfully against Curtis Blaydes in July 2024. Consequently, after Jones’s knockout of Miocic at UFC 309 in November, a showdown between Aspinall and Jones for undisputed supremacy became an unavoidable next step.
Despite the logical progression, it’s now been nearly a year since Aspinall last fought, and the unification match remains unconfirmed. UFC President Dana White has reassured fans that this fight will happen, stating at the UFC 316 post-fight conference that “Jon Jones was offered the deal and accepted the deal.”
However, Jones’s activity on social media suggests a different narrative.
As speculation swirls, take a deep dive into the timeline of events, social media exchanges, and the ongoing discussions leading up to this long-awaited fight.
1:27
Dana White: Jon Jones is prepared to fight Tom Aspinall
Dana White tells Stephen A. Smith that Jon Jones has never declined a fight, and he’s not against facing Tom Aspinall.
July 27, 2024: Aspinall starts strong in his first defense of the interim heavyweight title, finishing Blaydes just one minute into the round. Addressing the crowd in Manchester, he boldly states, “I’m the best finisher in the UFC. If I start to gain momentum, it’s game over.” He then asks, “Who wants to see Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones?”
Nov. 7, 2024: As the Miocic fight approaches, Jones voices skepticism about facing Aspinall, suggesting that Aspinall hasn’t earned the top contender status yet.
“Tom Aspinall is not a nobody, but he hasn’t accomplished much yet,” Jones says during an interview, indicating he isn’t willing to risk his legacy against an unfamiliar opponent.
Instead, Jones hints at a possible retirement after the fight and teases a champion vs. champion matchup against Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion.
Nov. 14, 2024: White dismisses Jones’s attempt to dictate future matchups, asserting that if Jones continues to compete, Aspinall will be his next challenge. “There’s no chance he’s fighting Pereira,” White states confidently.
Nov. 16, 2024: Jones makes a triumphant return to the Octagon after a long absence, delivering a spectacular spinning back kick to win against Miocic in the third round, while expressing reluctance to fight Aspinall without significant compensation.
“I find him irritating, and I don’t have any respect for him,” Jones states, emphasizing his desire for a high-stakes bout.
Nov. 18, 2024: During a YouTube interview, Aspinall mentions he has been in touch with the UFC about his next fight, hinting at looming developments but remains tight-lipped about specifics. He also states that he views Georges St-Pierre as a better fighter than Jones due to St-Pierre’s clean record regarding performance-enhancing drugs.
0:54
Daniel Cormier asserts that Jon Jones is “out of his mind” for suggesting he could defeat him at heavyweight.
Cormier responds to Jones’s claims from earlier discussions.
Nov. 24, 2024: In another YouTube clip, Jones reveals that he is negotiating with the UFC but remains vague about whether Aspinall will be his opponent, indicating a possible return in 2025.
Dec. 3, 2024: Four months since his last fight, Aspinall expresses a desire to stay active, emphasizing that his ultimate goal is to become the undisputed champion—regardless of whether that means facing Jones.
“My only focus is on becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion,” Aspinall states, making it clear he’s ready for any challenge.
Dec. 14, 2024: At a postfight conference in Tampa, White is once again questioned about the possibility of a Jones-Aspinall bout, to which he confidently responds, “One hundred percent, it will happen.”
Feb. 5, 2025: Jones teases his followers on social media about a forthcoming announcement.
A huge announcement is dropping tomorrow! #Andstill
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) February 5, 2025
Feb. 6, 2025: Instead of addressing a new fight, Jones posts a comedic video that jokingly portrays his next “fight” as against the American healthcare system, a promotion for a nonprofit advocating healthcare reform.
May 14, 2025: As concerns about Jones’s seriousness in returning to the octagon grow, fans launch an online petition advocating for the stripping of Jones’s heavyweight title, which gathers nearly 200,000 signatures.
May 19, 2025: While in Thailand filming a reality fighting series against Nate Diaz, Jones responds to fan accusations of avoiding Aspinall, stating that the UFC knows his plans.
You guys are barking up the wrong tree; I informed the UFC long ago about my intentions, not sure why they haven’t shared them with you. https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1924368388077347249
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones)
I wouldn’t call it retirement; I believe I can always come back. I’ve taken many breaks during my career, but my life outside the sport is thriving. I’m genuinely enjoying it and growing in numerous ways. https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1925241636210057542
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones)
May 26, 2025: Aspinall joins in the hype by announcing “Heavyweight news, coming soon” on Instagram, although he quickly clarifies that official fight announcements are typically made by the UFC, not fighters themselves.
May 28, 2025: Fans are quick to express disappointment when Aspinall’s “big news” turns out to be a sponsorship deal with Champion sportswear.
June 2, 2025: On a podcast with Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier, Aspinall declares he’s ready to move on from a potentially retired Jon Jones. “Jon is retired. God bless him in his pursuits, but I’m moving forward as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, ready to face anyone,” Aspinall states.
June 6, 2025: Jones continues to engage on social media, suggesting he isn’t training, hinting he may vacate the title, and entertaining the idea of battling 2024 PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Keep in mind, I’m at a point where I could give up the title willingly anytime I choose. Veni, vidi, vici. 😘
Heard Ngannou might still be interested… now that’s a real super fight! Two champions from different paths coming together.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones)
June 7, 2025: In a refreshing update, White confirms at the UFC 316 post-fight press conference that Jones has indeed agreed to fight Aspinall. “Yes, Jon Jones accepted the deal. I’ve said since day one that this fight will happen,” White assures the media.
June 13, 2025: Back from his filming commitments in Thailand, Jones reacts to White’s statements regarding the fight, seemingly questioning the validity of White’s remarks. “Is that what he said?” he replies when asked about the rumors of his agreement to face Aspinall.