Jon Jones`s recent statements could bring much-needed clarity to the UFC heavyweight division, sparking intense reactions from fans.
For a time, a highly anticipated unification bout between UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall seemed inevitable, with hints pointing towards it happening later this year. However, recent developments suggest this `super fight` is now uncertain, much to the disappointment of fans globally.
Jon Jones has been inactive since claiming the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285.
Despite hinting at retirement after winning the title, Jones seemed to shift focus, apparently engaging with UFC management to arrange a bout with Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning interim champion, having awaited a unification clash against Jones for months. Despite suggesting positive communication with the UFC about the division`s future, it appears Aspinall`s next opponent may not be Jones.
Fans React Strongly After Jon Jones`s Cryptic Comment on Future
UFC CEO Dana White had previously urged fans to `relax` regarding the status of the potential Jones vs. Aspinall fight during a recent Instagram live session. Even as both Jones and Aspinall hinted at uncertainty, White consistently maintained that the promotion intended to make the heavyweight unification fight a reality.
However, recent remarks from Jones during a FaceTime conversation with MMA figure Kamal Gadzhiev suggest White and the UFC might need a `Plan B`.
According to reports from Russian MMA outlet Ushatayka, when Gadzhiev referenced Jones`s status as an active fighter, Jones dismissed the notion.
“I`m done, I`m done,” Jones reportedly told Gadzhiev.
Jones`s statement follows earlier hints that the UFC was aware of his comeback plans, yet neither the promotion nor Aspinall had made any formal announcements.
Following Jones`s comment going viral, UFC fans expressed significant displeasure on social media.
The reaction on social media was largely negative. Many fans called for Jones to be stripped of his title, arguing he was holding up the division. Others expressed disappointment, feeling his potential retirement this way tarnished his legacy. There were also comments suggesting Jones was avoiding Aspinall and criticizing the UFC`s handling of the situation.
As of now, Aspinall has not publicly responded to Jones`s comments. Should Jones indeed retire, Aspinall would likely compete for the undisputed title against a top contender such as Ciryl Gane.
Previous Reports Suggested Jones Shared Plans with UFC
Jones has only competed twice since relinquishing the light heavyweight title in 2020 following a close victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.
He captured the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 by defeating Ciryl Gane, a fight arranged after Francis Ngannou was stripped of the belt amid contract disagreements.
Aspinall last defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.
He originally won the interim belt with a knockout victory over Serghei Pavlovich at UFC 295, stepping in after Jones withdrew from his planned fight due to injury.
Further updates on the heavyweight situation will be provided as they become available.
Jack Thornley