Tom Aspinall open to different fight with Jon Jones 'holding up' UFC title unifier

Tom Aspinall is still exercising patience and optimism that Jon Jones will do the right thing and unify the UFC heavyweight champion. If not, however, he is prepared to move on.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has been the interim heavyweight champion for nearly 16 months now. He defended it in August with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes, and has since been waiting. Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC), meanwhile, returned from an lengthy injury absence in November after capturing the vacant strap in March 2023, defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.

It’s been a waiting game since then. Jones made his stance on an Aspinall fight clear in the aftermath of UFC 309, claiming he wasn’t interested and stating he wanted to be paid “f*ck you money” by the UFC to do it, or he would retire. It appears he’s maintained that stance through ongoing negotiations, while Aspinall has stood idle.

“Where we’re at right now is, I have spoke to the UFC on multiple occasions on this fight,” Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. “I’m chasing it. I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying, ‘I want the fight. When’s it happening?’ I want the fight more than anyone. What is holding it up right now is his side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really, really want the fight to happen. They’ve told me that. This is one of the biggest fights in MMA. Does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me? And that is where we’re at.

“The UFC tell me, they assure me they are doing everything they can to make this fight. So as far as I’m aware, this is now totally down to Jon Jones and his team to work that out. I’m literally just waiting for a date. But what’s holding it back is the UFC want to make the fight with me and Jon, and as far as I’m aware, it’s now about maybe financial, or otherwise. I’m not too sure, to be honest. I’m just waiting for the call right now.”

Aspinall, 31, has already had a shred of pessimism that Jones, 37, would not fight him. He’s been vocal in accusing “Bones” of ducking him, but has held out hope. UFC CEO Dana White said as recently as this past week that he thinks the fight will get made.

Regardless, one thing Aspinall has left no uncertainty about is what the stakes of his next fight will be. He refuses to do another interim title defense, and reiterated by once again declaring his bout will be for the undisputed belt, meaning Jones would have to vacate or be stripped.

“I said quite a while ago now: I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting,” Aspinall said. “That’s something that I said. Jon, let’s do it. If you want to do it, you don’t have to ask me twice. If not, I’ll fight somebody else for the undisputed belt. Happy to fight anybody. Any time, anywhere – doesn’t matter. I’m ready to go.”