Tom Aspinall made Jon Jones angry when he revealed that he didn’t care about the legend.

The UFC heavyweight division is stuck in a frustrating limbo as the long-anticipated title unification fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall remains elusive. Despite the overwhelming demand from fans and analysts alike, the bout is buried under a mountain of delays, mixed messages, and retirement rumors that are starting to wear thin across the MMA world.

The heavyweight landscape, once dominated by decisive matchups and clear trajectories, now finds itself clouded by indecision—chiefly surrounding Jon “Bones” Jones, the reigning yet inactive UFC heavyweight champion, and Tom Aspinall, the longest-serving interim heavyweight champion in UFC history.

Jon Jones: The Champion Who Won’t Fight

Jon Jones captured the UFC heavyweight belt in March 2023 with a dominant victory over Ciryl Gane, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest of all time. However, in the more than two years since claiming the title, Jones has fought only once—a November 2023 win over Stipe Miocic, another aging legend.

The lack of activity has become a sore point among fans, especially as Jones repeatedly flirts with retirement. He has cited a variety of reasons for his absence, ranging from injuries to disputes with the UFC. Recently, he blamed the organization itself for delaying the unification bout with Aspinall.

But when pressed, Jones gave yet another retirement statement, saying bluntly: “I’m done.”

While this announcement made headlines, many questioned its legitimacy, especially given that UFC President Dana White continues to insist that Jones vs Aspinall will happen in 2025.

Tom Aspinall: A Champ Stuck in Limbo

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has handled his career with professional consistency and patience—but even his tolerance has limits. After defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 to win the interim title and then defending it against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, Aspinall has done everything a champion is supposed to do.

In fact, if Aspinall defends his interim title once more before a unification bout, he would become only the second fighter in UFC history to defend an interim belt twice without a shot at the undisputed title. That’s a dubious honor and a reflection of the bizarre stasis the heavyweight division currently finds itself in.

In a recent interview with Mighty, the British heavyweight didn’t hold back:

“I’ve been inactive for nearly a year. And I’m just being told to wait. I don’t care about fighting Jon Jones, I just want to be the undisputed champion.”

This statement sparked a heated response from Jones, who clapped back on social media:
“Shut your mouth and do as you’re told.”

It was a dismissive and controversial reply from a champion who many believe should either defend his belt or vacate it.

Dana White’s Optimism vs Fan Frustration

Despite Jones’ apparent withdrawal, Dana White remains bullish on the matchup. Speaking on a recent livestream, the UFC boss expressed continued optimism that Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall will happen in 2025.

But fans aren’t buying it. Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit are awash with complaints, memes, and calls for Jones to step aside if he has truly retired. The UFC has always prided itself on matching the best against the best, but this situation feels more like an exception than the rule.

The real issue lies in credibility. With Jon Jones announcing retirement, then backtracking, and Dana White pushing a hopeful narrative, fans are stuck in the middle, unsure of what to believe.

Ciryl Gane as Plan B? Not So Fast

With Jones potentially out of the picture, the UFC could pivot to a Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane matchup. Gane remains a top contender and was the last man Jones defeated. However, this fight lacks the gravity, tension, and legacy implications of a unification bout.

Even Aspinall himself doesn’t seem interested in facing Gane again unless the undisputed title is on the line. And from a promotional standpoint, the clash with Gane lacks the firepower of a bout with Jones—who, despite his inactivity, still holds the title and the legacy edge.

The Legacy Dilemma: What’s at Stake?

For Jon Jones, this saga could be the final chapter of an already complicated legacy. He’s considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, but his heavyweight reign has been marked by inactivity, not dominance.

A win over Aspinall would silence doubters and give him a meaningful victory in a division stacked with young killers. On the flip side, retiring now—after just one heavyweight defense—would open his legacy to criticism, painting his move to heavyweight as a calculated but hollow endeavor.

For Tom Aspinall, the stakes are even higher. A win over Jones would catapult him into MMA superstardom, validate his interim reign, and position him as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. He has been loyal, active, and disciplined—and it’s clear that he’s ready for the moment.

The UFC’s Responsibility: Time to Take Action

The UFC now faces a pivotal decision. It can continue to wait and hope that Jones changes his mind—risking more delays and alienating fans—or strip the belt and make Aspinall the rightful champion.

Historically, the UFC has stripped fighters for inactivity or refusal to defend, and in this case, there’s a strong precedent for doing so. Jon Jones hasn’t defended his belt since 2023, and his back-and-forth on retirement is muddying the waters even further.

If the UFC is serious about delivering the fights fans want—and about respecting the meritocracy of its rankings—then action must be taken soon.

Fan Backlash Grows Louder

The frustration of UFC fans is palpable. On social media and forums, many are calling for Jon Jones to either fight or relinquish the belt. Memes portraying Jones as the “ghost champion” or “keyboard warrior” rather than an octagon legend are spreading fast.

The narrative has shifted. No longer is Jon Jones the hunter looking to cement his heavyweight legacy. He’s now seen as the obstacle in the way of progress, the symbol of a broken system that allows champions to coast on status rather than results.

Will Jones vs Aspinall Actually Happen in 2025?

As things stand, Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall remains a question mark—a fantasy matchup that may never materialize. The ingredients are all there: legacy, skill, drama, and fan interest. But the execution has been lacking.

If Jones is truly retired, the UFC must act quickly and crown Tom Aspinall as the undisputed heavyweight champion. If he’s not, then it’s time for Jones to step up, sign the contract, and give fans the war they’ve been craving.

One thing’s for sure: the UFC can’t afford to let this saga drag into late 2025 without resolution. The sport is built on moments, and this one is long overdue.

Final Thoughts: Time to Move On or Make the Fight Happen

The UFC heavyweight division has never been more talented—or more stagnant. With Jon Jones holding the title hostage, and Tom Aspinall eager to prove his worth, fans are growing tired of waiting.

The UFC needs to deliver clarity. Either book Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall now, or pass the torch to a new era of champions who are ready to fight, not just talk.