Tom Aspinall Opens Up Painfully: Jon Jones Destroyed My Spirit More Than a Knock-Out Loss

The waiting game has become unbearable for Tom Aspinall, who recently opened up about the mental toll of stalled negotiations with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The British star, who currently holds the interim UFC heavyweight title, has admitted that the uncertainty surrounding the title unification fight has been even more mentally draining than his devastating injury that once threatened to end his career.

While fans have speculated for months about a mega-showdown between Aspinall and Jones, the reality behind the scenes is far more frustrating. For Aspinall, the delays have not only robbed him of the opportunity to unify the belts, but they’ve also taken a heavy emotional toll—one that he says outweighs the most difficult moment of his life in the sport.

A Long Wait Without Clarity

Tom Aspinall last stepped inside the Octagon in July 2024, defending his interim heavyweight title with a dominant victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. That win solidified his claim to a title shot against the undisputed champion Jon Jones. However, since that fight, there has been no official confirmation of a unification bout.

While the MMA world has continued to buzz about a potential clash, Jones has stayed mostly silent or ambiguous, fueling speculation about whether he’s even interested in the matchup. Aspinall, who is eager to legitimize his championship reign, is stuck in limbo.

In a recent interview, Aspinall said:

“I feel like I’ve done everything asked of me. I came back from injury, I beat the top contenders, I won the interim title. What more do I need to do?”

Jon Jones: Hinting at Retirement, Then Reassuring Fans

Much of the frustration stems from Jon Jones’ inconsistent messaging. After pulling out of a planned fight with Stipe Miocic due to injury in late 2023, Jones hinted at retirement, leaving fans and fighters alike uncertain about his future.

But shortly after, Jones took to social media to assure fans he wasn’t done yet. He even claimed he would return to defend his title. However, there was still no clear timeline, and no mention of Tom Aspinall as a potential opponent.

That back-and-forth has left Aspinall in a holding pattern. While the Brit remains respectful, he recently revealed that the process has been more mentally draining than the darkest period of his fighting career.

Mentally Tougher Than His Career-Threatening Injury

In 2022, Tom Aspinall suffered a brutal knee injury just seconds into his fight against Curtis Blaydes in London. The injury kept him out of competition for over a year and cast doubt on whether he’d return to the same level. At the time, Aspinall admitted the road to recovery was “the hardest thing” he’d ever done.

However, speaking recently on Demetrious Johnson’s podcast, Aspinall dropped a surprising truth:

“This delay with Jon Jones is worse than the injury. At least with the injury, I had a timeline, a goal, a process. Right now, I have none of that. It’s mentally exhausting not knowing what comes next.”

That admission has sparked conversations about fighter mental health and how career uncertainty—especially at the top level—can be just as damaging as physical injuries.

Anthony Smith: “Jon Jones Is Mentally Exhausting Him”

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith—who has faced both Jones and Blaydes—offered his own analysis of the situation. According to Smith:

“Jon is a master of the mental game. He’s doing to Aspinall what he’s done to countless fighters before—keeping them in the dark, throwing them off, making them question everything.”

Smith believes that this isn’t just poor timing or circumstance—it’s a deliberate tactic by Jon Jones to maintain psychological control over the division.

“Bones has been in this sport a long time. He knows what he’s doing. Keeping Aspinall waiting, dangling that fight just out of reach—it’s all part of the strategy.”

Jones’ Response: “Cry More”

Adding fuel to the fire, Jon Jones responded to criticism of the delay by mocking fans on social media. When told to stop holding up the division and delaying Aspinall’s career, Jones flippantly replied:

“Cry more.”

That single phrase drew widespread backlash from fans, fighters, and pundits. Many felt it was disrespectful not just to Aspinall, but to the sport itself.

For a man widely regarded as the GOAT of MMA, Jones’ lack of urgency to defend the title is being seen by many as a stain on his legacy.

Aspinall’s Legacy in Limbo

For Tom Aspinall, every month that passes without a unification bout is a month of career momentum lost. At 32 years old, he is in the prime of his fighting life. He’s healthy, active, and ready to face anyone—but he can’t move forward without clarity from the UFC and Jones.

“I didn’t win the interim title to sit on a shelf,” Aspinall said. “I want to unify. I want to prove I’m the best. I want to fight the best.”

The delay not only risks slowing his rise but could also cost him key paydays and promotional opportunities that typically come with a true title reign.

What Can the UFC Do?

Fans and analysts are now turning their attention to UFC President Dana White, who has yet to officially address the situation. If Jon Jones refuses to defend his title, the UFC could strip him and promote Aspinall to undisputed champion—a move that’s not without precedent.

Alternatively, the UFC might try to schedule Aspinall vs. another top contender, such as Stipe Miocic, Ciryl Gane, or Jailton Almeida, for the undisputed title.

But for now, there are no guarantees—only frustration.

Support From Fellow Fighters

Despite the chaos, Aspinall has received overwhelming support from fellow fighters and fans alike. UFC stars such as Michael Bisping, Leon Edwards, and Alexander Volkov have all praised Aspinall’s patience and professionalism during this difficult period.

“Tom’s done everything right,” said Bisping. “If anyone deserves a shot at the real belt, it’s him.”

The sentiment echoes across the MMA world. Aspinall has earned his shot, and many feel the UFC should act sooner rather than later.

The Clock is Ticking

If the UFC waits too long, they risk alienating one of their most marketable European stars. Aspinall’s popularity in the UK, combined with his fighting style and intelligence, make him a perfect ambassador for the sport globally.

Letting his career stall would be a huge missed opportunity, not just for him—but for the UFC as a brand.

Final Thoughts: Give Aspinall the Fight He Deserves

The saga between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones has dragged on far too long. While injuries and business realities can delay fights, the ongoing uncertainty is now having a real impact on Aspinall’s mental well-being.

He’s done his part. He’s come back from injury. He’s taken on the top contenders. He’s won impressively. Now it’s time for the UFC and Jon Jones to do theirs.

Whether it’s by unifying the belts or elevating Aspinall to undisputed status, a resolution must come soon. Otherwise, the sport risks tarnishing not just the legacy of its fighters—but its own integrity.