Jon Jones has firmly closed the door on any potential fight with Tom Aspinall, citing personal reasons for his decision rather than a lack of competition. Ahead of his return to the Octagon against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, Jones explained that his disinterest in facing Aspinall goes beyond the merits of the fight itself and is rooted in the British heavyweight’s behavior and attitude.
Speaking at UFC 309 media day, Jones did not hold back in criticizing Aspinall, revealing that the 30-year-old’s conduct had soured him on the idea of facing him in the cage. “If I’m being completely honest, I feel like Tom’s been such an asshle that I don’t want to do business with him,” Jones stated. “His fans have been so annoying, and obviously, you don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans or whatnot, but he’s just an asshle.”
Jones, who is approaching the later stages of his career at 36, added that he felt Aspinall’s behavior was emblematic of a new generation of fighters more focused on online antics and t-shirt sales than respect within the sport. “If you had a little more respect, maybe we could have something out of it,” Jones said. “But I just don’t even want to do business with him.”
Aspinall’s vocal criticism of the Jones and Miocic matchup at UFC 309 fueled the rivalry between the two, with Aspinall labeling them “two old farts” competing for the “most disputed title” in the UFC. This animosity only deepened as the trash talk escalated, with Jones saying he had no interest in the personal back-and-forths, preferring instead to focus on more respectful competitors.
While Jones continues to dismiss Aspinall as an opponent, he expressed more enthusiasm for a potential matchup with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. “Pereira, on the other hand — respectful, cool, barely says much. I’ll do business with you,” Jones said. “You actually have the accolades to back up your sh*t.”
Jones acknowledged that many see Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, as a rising star and a threat, especially with his size and youth contrasting with Jones’ experience. However, he remained firm in his stance that a win over Aspinall would not offer him much in terms of legacy or career advancement.
“I get that Tom is an exciting fighter, but what’s in it for me? Beating Tom is just like beating Ciryl Gane,” Jones remarked. “What happens to me after I beat him? Nothing changes for me.”
Looking ahead, Jones emphasized that his focus is on his upcoming fight with Miocic. If successful, he hinted that a super fight with Pereira would be the only matchup that would keep him engaged in the sport longer. “The main goal is to get past Stipe. If I can do it in a really dominant fashion, then the desire in my heart would be to go after Pereira,” Jones said. “If the UFC doesn’t want that to happen, then I’ll just move on with my life.”
For now, Jones is steadfast in his decision to not entertain a fight with Aspinall, leaving the door open only for a clash with someone he feels has earned his respect.
