UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is still considering a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall.
Months after starting talks for a fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones continues to fuel speculation among UFC fans about his future. Earlier this week, Jones caused a stir online when a leaked chat showed him stating “I`m done” when asked about his fighting activity.
However, Jones quickly retracted that statement in a subsequent social media post, calming fears of retirement. Following this, Aspinall shared videos showing him intensifying his training camp, which again boosted fan anticipation for a potential fight with Jones.
Just hours later though, Jones once again raised doubts about the fight with Aspinall happening.
Jon Jones Provides Latest Update on Retirement Amid Social Media Flip-Flops
Jones had also hinted at retirement before his long-awaited first heavyweight title defense, a win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. He had briefly considered facing Alex Pereira instead of Aspinall, prior to Pereira losing the light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
Despite previously dismissing a fight with Aspinall, citing personal dislike for the interim champion, Jones changed his tune in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan at UFC 309. However, six months on from UFC 309, the matchup between Jones and Aspinall still doesn`t appear close to happening.
Jones`s recent remarks won`t ease UFC fans` concerns that the legendary fighter might retire before facing Aspinall.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Jones responded to a fan who inquired about how it feels to be a retired athlete.
“I don’t know if I want to call it retired,” Jones replied. “I feel like I’ll always have the ability to pop out and show them. I’ve had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact.”
“I’m genuinely enjoying life, I’m growing in different ways.”
UFC fans were not receptive to Jones`s latest comments.
“Just stop holding the belt hostage,” one fan responded on X.
“So you don’t want the smoke with Tommy?” another user commented.
“Your identity outside of fighting is absolutely horrendous, mate,” wrote another. “This is the one time in your whole career where you have a fight that the fans truly want to see, you’ll get paid well for it, and you`re running away?”
“Just vacate the title, admit retirement, and you won’t have to see a British animal in your nightmares any longer,” someone else suggested.
“Jon is severely retired,” a fan stated.
“After all your time in the UFC and everything it has given you,” questioned another fan, “don’t you feel you owe it to the company to let the heavyweight division move on?”
“Bro thinks he’s the main character still,” criticized one user. “Never was the biggest draw and never will be.”
“Terrified of a polite English man,” read another comment.
As of the time of writing, Jones has not offered any further comments regarding the status of the Aspinall fight or his potential retirement from MMA.
Jon Jones vs. Nate Diaz Reality Show Cancelled After Chaotic Brawl
Jones`s planned reality TV appearance opposite Nate Diaz was suddenly cancelled following a chaotic brawl on set involving fighters and Diaz`s team. After the incident, it was reported that several Russian fighters followed Diaz and his team on motorcycles around Thailand in an attempt to intimidate the former UFC star.
Diaz and Jones were set to coach opposite each other on a spin-off of The Ultimate Fighter filmed in Thailand, featuring upcoming MMA prospects from the region. Jones previously coached TUF once in his storied career, against Chael Sonnen.
While Jones continues his time in Thailand, many UFC fans are growing impatient with the heavyweight champion`s inactivity. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White insists the promotion still intends to book the Jones vs. Aspinall fight for later this year.
Jack Thornley 
Neville Whittle