UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones is currently testing the patience of interim champion Tom Aspinall, his team, and MMA fans around the world. Calls are growing louder for ‘Bones’ to either defend his title against the Brit or vacate it, with some even urging Dana White & Co. to strip him of the belt altogether. Addressing the growing frustration, Dana White assured fans, “The heavyweight fight will happen, just relax.” Yet, with no fight announcement in sight, hope for the long-awaited Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall showdown is slowly fading.
While Tom Aspinall remains prepared and is merely waiting for UFC’s approval, Jon Jones appears to be in no rush. He’s currently spending time in Thailand, filming the Russian version of The Ultimate Fighter, titled Alf Reality. As criticism continues to pour in on social media, the American responded with a cryptic message that hinted at possible retirement. In a video shared while sipping coconut water in Thailand, ‘Boes’ said, “Y’all barking up the wrong tree. I told my plans to the UFC a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.”
The statement only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the potential superfight. Matters escalated when, just yesterday, Jones Jones said, “I’m done,” leading many fans to believe that the end of his legendary career might be near. But in a surprising twist, ‘Bones’ quickly shifted gears. Today, he shared a clip on his Instagram story featuring a dog bullying another—only to be put in its place by a third, more dominant dog. Alongside the video, Jones wrote, “What I feel like returning to the UFC after some much needed downtime.”
November 17, 2024: El campeo³n de peso pesado de UFC, Jon Jones, con su prometida Jessie Moses, celebra su victoria por nocaut to cnico contra el retador Stipe Miocic durante su pelea por el toÂtulo de peso pesado de UFC 309. – ZUMAla2_ 0779969143st Copyright: xKenaxBetancurx
The message was clear, at least symbolically. Jone Jones appeared to cast himself as the dominant dog—ready to return and reassert his position at the top. Interpreted the bullied dog as Tom Aspinall, with the others representing the rest of the UFC’s heavyweight division, which the Englishman has recently made waves in. After months away from the Octagon, this could be the heavyweight kingpin’ way of signaling that his return is imminent. Jones last fought nearly seven months ago, successfully defending his heavyweight crown against Stipe Miocic.
But his prolonged absence has become a growing concern for both the UFC and interim champ Tom Aspinall. With two titleholders currently splitting the spotlight, the division is stuck in limbo—unable to truly move forward. So the question remains: why is Jon Jones still holding off on facing the Brit? Let’s break it down.
Chael Sonnen revealed the reasons behind Jon Jones’ delay in facing Tom Aspinall
“Only winners are remembered in history,” and Jon Jones is well aware of that. Since bursting onto the scene in 2008, ‘Bones’ has been the undeniable face of the UFC. Despite a career marked by controversy that at times embarrassed even Dana White & Co., the American has repeatedly found his way back to the Octagon. Stripped of titles and facing felony charges along the way, he is now in his 17th year as a UFC fighter, holding the record as the longest-reigning UFC light heavyweight champion.
Since moving up in 2023, he has ruled the heavyweight division without a legitimate loss, continuing to dominate. That said, Jon Jones’ activity inside the cage over the past two years has been limited to just a couple of fights, and his recent “ducking” of interim champ Tom Aspinall has tarnished his reputation. Instead of fighting, ‘Bones’ has leveraged his heavyweight champion status to build his brand—hosting seminars worldwide, appearing in movies and TV shows, and coaching Nate Diaz’s team on the Russian version of The Ultimate Fighter, Alf Reality.
In a recent YouTube video, Chael Sonnen pointed out a harsh truth: the moment Jon Jones becomes a “former champion,” his stardom, fame, and earning potential will all take a hit. Sonnen said, “And the moment he is stripped, and the moment he is a former champion, that value does decrease. That’s true.” History backs Sonnen’s claim—many former champions struggle financially and personally after their careers peak, with Mike Tyson being a prime example.
So, what do you make of Jon Jones’ cryptic remarks? Is he finally ready to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon, perhaps at the upcoming fall UFC event at Madison Square Garden? Share your thoughts below.
The post Jon Jones Confirms UFC Return After Dana White’s Faulty Plans for Tom Aspinall Fight Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.
