The highly anticipated showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is shaping up to be one of the most significant fights of the decade in the UFC, but it’s still without a confirmed date. As the reigning champion in the heavyweight division, Jones, with a record of 28-1, is widely regarded as the greatest of all time in mixed martial arts. However, his recent years have been marred by off-field issues and inactivity rather than the controlled violence he’s known for inside the octagon. Now, it’s Aspinall, the interim champion, who’s left waiting for a title unification bout.
Aspinall has found himself at the mercy of Jones’ return to the scene, which culminated in a long-awaited showdown against Stipe Miocic towards the end of last year. The fight was a blast from the past, and the outcome was far from surprising. While Aspinall waits for the UFC and Dana White to make good on their promise of setting up a fight against “Bones,” the interim champion is growing restless. He’s been in constant communication with the UFC, expressing his eagerness to get into the ring with Jones. “I’ve spoken to the UFC multiple times about this fight; I’m chasing it,” Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. “I want the fight more than anyone. What’s holding it back right now is his side – that’s the truth. The UFC really wants the fight to happen; they’ve told me as much.”
Aspinall emphasized that the UFC has assured him they’re doing everything in their power to make the fight a reality, but it all hinges on Jones and his team. “As far as I know, it’s all down to Jon Jones now. I’m waiting for a date,” he added, making it clear that the ball is in the American fighter’s court.
With the lowest average fight time in UFC history, averaging just 2 minutes and 2 seconds per bout, Aspinall took a jab at Jones, hoping to speed up the process. “I said it a while back: I’ll retire Jon Jones without even fighting him. That’s what I said. Jon, let’s make it happen. If you want to do it, you don’t have to ask me twice. If not, I’ll fight someone else for the title.” The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s holding up this monumental fight? Only time will tell if these two MMA powerhouses will finally face off in the octagon.
