It seems that the UFC’s interim title history has always been cursed! And nothing proves it more than the company making convoluted interim titles for the sake of marketing gold on a big card. Well, if the actual undisputed champion is unable to register a defense owing to an injury, an illness, or any other legitimate reason, the moves seem warranted. But everyone and their grandma knows that Jon Jones has been essentially ducking a unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Listen to this, the Englishman will cross Renan Barao’s 535-day reign as the interim 135lbs champ on 29th April this month. Talk about sitting out in the prime of your career!
Enter a litany of circumstances. ‘Bones’ has previously made it clear that stepping into the Octagon against Aspinall would require “f–k you money” — an amount hovering around $30 million. However, it now seems the reigning heavyweight champion also wants ample time to prepare for the hard-hitting Brit.
According to Ariel Helwani, Jones has requested six months to train for a title unification bout against Aspinall. The Canadian journalist revealed this on The MMA Hour earlier this week, effectively ruling out International Fight Week—just three months away—as a possible date for the highly anticipated showdown.
But is Jones deliberately delaying the fight? Verbose analyst Chael Sonnen doesn’t think so. In fact, he believes the fight hasn’t even been offered to the champ yet. ‘The Bad Guy’ addressed the situation on his YouTube channel, stating:
“I just gotta remind you for the 5th time, Jon has not said no! When Jon told us all that he needed $30 million dollars, we knew it was in jest. When Tom said I don’t care if I ever fight when Jon said I don’t care if I fight Tom, we knew this was not literal. I am just talking about the way that he’s even playing it, the way that he’s even being perceived, an interview from Jon of which you don’t have. Hearsay from his opponents and people like me of which you do have, it is very limited information.”
“But my position as the greatest insider in the sport! Jon will not turn that fight down—announcement number one. Jon has not been offered that fight. That’s the monster in the closet that people don’t seem to want to be true. There has not been a suggestion of a date or venue. Not yet. In a phone call to Jon where his opponent would be Tom for the undisputed title. If you believe that Jon Jones is refusing to do those things? You are wrong! He’s not yet been presented with that offer.”
Jon Jones | Image courtesy: Imago
If Aspinall is fortunate, he may finally get his long-awaited shot at Jon Jones by the end of the year. However, with the reigning champion yet to sign on the dotted line, there’s a real chance Aspinall could be left waiting until 2025—or even early 2026. However, a ray of hope has emerged after the Englishman posted a picture alongside UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell with the caption: “Stay Tuned.”
The interim heavyweight champion has made it clear time and again that he’s done playing the waiting game. And at 31, he has every reason to feel frustrated. Now, he’s drawing a line in the sand—either Jones takes the fight, or he vacates the belt.
Tom Aspinall has harsh words for Jon Jones amidst unification bout rumors
In the UFC, there can only be one true champion in each division. Holding a world title isn’t just about wearing the gold—it’s a declaration that you are the best in your weight class. However, the heavyweight division finds itself in an unusual situation, with two champions reigning simultaneously but not facing each other.
Unfortunately for Tom Aspinall, the decision isn’t entirely in his hands. But the interim heavyweight champion is doing what he does best—applying pressure on the reigning titleholder. In a recent interview with Adam Catterall, Aspinall once again took a shot at Jon Jones, making it clear that he won’t wait around forever. He stated: “We need to find out who the guy [the real heavyweight champion] is. If it’s not Jon Jones, get out the way, I’ll take the title, I’ll fight someone else, happy days.”
When asked about the timeline for the fight, the 31-year-old didn’t hesitate, responding with “ASAP [as soon as possible].” However, Aspinall knows that, for now, the ball is in Jones’ court, and the undisputed champion will ultimately decide when—or if—the fight happens. When do you think we’ll see Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
The post “Jon Has Not Been Offered That Fight” – UFC Insider Sets It Straight on Allegations of Jon Jones Holding Up Tom Aspinall Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
