Tom Aspinall Insists Jon Jones Has Retired: The Heavyweight Division Must Move On

Jon Aspinall's Bold Claim on Jon Jones's Retirement

Tom Aspinall has emphatically reiterated his belief that Jon Jones has retired from mixed martial arts, expressing his thoughts in an interview with The Independent. Aspinall stated, “People think I’m joking, but it’s the truth.” His comments come in the wake of a significant year for both fighters, with Aspinall holding the interim UFC heavyweight title since November 2023, when he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich while Jones dealt with an injury that prevented him from defending his championship.

Aspinall’s Championship Journey

After a lengthy hiatus, Jones made his return, successfully defeating Stipe Miocic, which should have ideally set the stage for a title unification fight with Aspinall. However, Jones, now 38, has notably refrained from publicly committing to a bout with Aspinall, 32. This uncertainty has prompted Aspinall to declare to former fighters Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier that he believes Jones is retired, suggesting that the latter is enjoying his life and career following an illustrious but rocky tenure in the octagon. Aspinall remarked on Jones's past achievements, wishing him well as he moves forward.

Aspinall's Position as Champion

Emphasizing his readiness to lead the heavyweight division forward, Aspinall stated, “I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I’m ready to take on all comers,” highlighting the frustration among contenders and fans over prolonged delays in the division. He stressed that it is time to move on from the uncertainty surrounding Jones’s future in the sport.

Upcoming Fight Plans

During his conversation with The Independent, Aspinall hinted at exciting developments regarding his next fight, stating, “I’ve got a date and a location,” while remaining cryptic about his opponent. With the UFC having already scheduled major events in the coming months, it seems Aspinall’s return may not occur until September, when a previously planned PPV has now transitioned into a standard Fight Night.

The Legacy of Jon Jones

Jon Jones is often hailed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time despite a career tainted by multiple controversies, including failed drug tests. He remains effectively unbeaten, with his only loss being a disqualification back in 2009. In contrast, Tom Aspinall boasts an impressive record of 15 wins and 3 losses in MMA, with only one defeat in the UFC attributed to injury. Notably, his fight history is characterized by finishing opponents early, securing a UFC record for the shortest cumulative fight time among fighters with five or more bouts.

Aspinall's Unique Approach to the Interim Title

Aspinall’s decision to actively defend his interim title was a standout move in the UFC, showcasing his desire to stay competitive during Jones's absence. In a swift match against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall capitalized on this strategy by achieving a knockout victory within the first 60 seconds, thereby avenging his prior injury-related defeat.

Aspinall's New Venture

In addition to his fighting career, Tom Aspinall has recently launched a new apparel line named HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, now available for purchase at championstore.com, marking a new chapter in his professional pursuits beyond the octagon.