UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has issued a strong response to Tom Aspinall following the interim champion’s recent comments. Aspinall, who currently holds the interim heavyweight title, suggested that Jones was avoiding a fight with him. In a series of posts on X, Jones clarified his stance and dismissed the notion that he was ducking Englishman.
Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) addressed a resurfaced video in which he stated that after Stipe Miocic. He only wanted to fight Francis Ngannou. “I recorded that video well over a year ago,” Jones explained. “I recorded it before I sustained the injury and before the UFC crowned an interim champion, I had already made it clear that fighting any more random opponents was not of interest to me.”
The UFC legend won heavyweight title in March-2023 after Ngannou vacated it, but he has yet to defend his belt. He was scheduled to face Miocic last November but was sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1-UFC) won the interim title against Sergei Pavlovich and defended it in July against Curtis Blaydes.
Despite the speculation, Jones made it clear that his focus remains on his own plans, stating, “I’m sticking to my plans, Jon Jones jumps for no one. How many belts does one need? How many times do I have to break my own record?”
Jones also took a swipe at Aspinall, urging him to build his legacy before challenging him. “There are fighters all over the world who think they can beat Jon Jones,” he wrote. “There will be no statues of you, Tom. Go out and win more, make your name greater.”
At 37, Jones emphasized his intention to finish his career on his-own-terms, concluding with a nod to other sports legends. “My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. 😘 Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather, and all the other retired badasses.”
As the UFC continues to navigate the heavyweight division, Jones appears determined to control his narrative as he approaches the twilight of his storied career.
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