Jon Jones has softened his stance on a potential title unification bout with heavyweight interim champion Tom Aspinall, stating that a lucrative offer would be necessary to entice him to the octagon against Aspinall. At the UFC 309 post-show press conference, Jones expressed his disdain for Aspinall, calling him “annoying” and emphasizing that he does not feel compelled to fight him unless compensated significantly. Jones said, “I want that ‘f–k you’ money, honestly. That’s just what it is. Or else my life is perfect without him. I don’t need him at all and he needs me, and that’s a good place to be in a negotiation.”
Jones’ reluctance to face Aspinall previously stemmed from his belief that the interim champion “hasn’t done anything” to warrant the matchup. He has prioritized fights that would enhance his legacy within the sport. However, Jones is open to the idea of a fight against UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, deeming it financially and legacy-wise worthwhile.
After Jones secured a third-round knockout against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, calls for a clash with Aspinall intensified. UFC CEO Dana White indicated that if Jones decides to return to competition, Aspinall will be his next opponent.
Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, an event that was necessitated by the postponement of the Jones-Miocic fight due to Jones’ injury. The 31-year-old Aspinall has displayed impressive knockout power in his career, boasting a record of 15-3 with 12 of those victories achieved through knockout or TKO.
Overall, while Jones remains reluctant, the dialogue surrounding a potential bout against Aspinall signifies a shift in perspective. The fight could materialize with the right financial motivation, suggesting that there is still hope for an exciting heavyweight showdown in the future. Both fighters have proven their mettle in the octagon, and their match could offer fans a thrilling encounter.