Jon Jones Accused by Daniel Cormier of Being Cowardly for Avoiding Fight with Tom Aspinall: Shocking Attack

After over 800 days as heavyweight king, Jon Jones is still officially the UFC heavyweight champion. His last title defense came in December 2024, but since then, there’s been no concrete fight announcement—just a growing sense of frustration among MMA fans and pundits alike.

While the division waits for clarity, the man often considered the greatest fighter of all time has teased a few names but continues to avoid one critical matchup: a title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall.

Now, former two-division UFC champion and long-time Jones rival Daniel Cormier has entered the conversation with a pointed message. According to Cormier, if Jon Jones retires without fighting Aspinall, it’s not a graceful exit—it’s quitting.

“Jon Jones would get to retire from fighting, but if he doesn’t fight this guy, then that’s just him quitting,” Cormier said recently. “There’s one real fight for him and he’s not so old and washed up that he can’t take it.”

Cormier’s words echo the sentiments of a growing chorus who believe Jones is dodging the real test of his heavyweight legacy.

Fans Demand the Fight: Aspinall vs. Jones Is the Showdown Everyone Wants

Ever since Tom Aspinall claimed the interim UFC heavyweight title with a devastating knockout over Sergei Pavlovich, fans and analysts have unanimously called for a title unification bout with Jon Jones.

But that’s the very fight Jones appears reluctant to make.

“If you’re the real champion, fight the interim champion. It’s that simple,” said Chael Sonnen, another prominent UFC commentator.

Meanwhile, Aspinall has been respectful but consistent in calling for the fight, emphasizing that a champion must face all comers—especially when there’s another belt on the line.

Nearly 200,000 fans have now signed a petition urging the UFC to strip Jones of the belt due to inactivity. Despite that, the promotion continues to list Jones as champion, while Aspinall waits in the wings, hinting that he has a fight lined up—but cannot yet reveal against whom.

Cormier: Jones Holding Onto Belt Without Fighting Hurts His Legacy

Daniel Cormier has never minced words when it comes to Jon Jones. The two shared one of the most intense rivalries in MMA history, and although time has mellowed the animosity, Cormier remains blunt in his assessment of Jones’ recent behavior.

“Look, I respect what Jon has accomplished. He beat me. But now he’s playing games. If I was the champion, I would’ve fought Aspinall already,” Cormier said on ESPN.

Cormier also pointed out that retiring without facing the clear #1 contender damages Jones’ legacy more than any title win could enhance it.

“He’s not ducking because he’s scared. But he knows Tom Aspinall is young, fast, and dangerous. He knows that fight is a real risk,” Cormier added.

If Jones walks away in August 2025, he would hold the record for the longest UFC heavyweight title reign. That, some speculate, could be his final feather in the cap before retirement—but without facing Aspinall, that reign may forever carry an asterisk.

Jones Calls Out Ngannou Instead—Another Detour?

While fans and experts focus on Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones has recently turned his attention back to a former nemesis—Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou, now signed with the PFL, has long been considered a dream opponent for Jones. But the logistical and contractual barriers make that fight extremely unlikely in the near term.

Jones’ renewed callout of Ngannou, some believe, is simply a diversion to avoid dealing with the very real challenge standing in his own division.

“Ngannou is the past. Aspinall is the present,” said UFC veteran Daniel Hooker. “What are we doing here?”

Fans seem to agree. Social media has been buzzing with criticism toward Jones, accusing him of “ducking,” “stalling,” and “protecting his record”.

Aspinall Remains Professional—But Clearly Frustrated

Despite the swirling chaos, Tom Aspinall continues to maintain composure, though the frustration is apparent in recent interviews.

“I’ve got something lined up. I can’t say who yet,” Aspinall said cryptically. “But obviously, I want Jon. That’s the fight that makes sense.”

That statement has only fueled more speculation. Could the UFC be preparing to move forward without Jones? Is Aspinall being lined up to face another top contender—perhaps Curtis Blaydes, Ciryl Gane, or a rising name like Jailton Almeida?

If Jones officially retires or refuses the fight, it’s highly likely that Aspinall’s next bout will be for the undisputed title—with or without the man many still consider the GOAT.

Why the MMA Community Is Losing Patience

The UFC heavyweight division has been in a state of limbo since Stipe Miocic was set to face Jon Jones in what was originally scheduled as a blockbuster return in 2023. That fight never happened due to Jones suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Fast forward to mid-2025, and there’s still no official date for Jones’ return. The silence is now deafening.

While injuries and business negotiations are understandable, many believe that Jones has crossed the line from strategic into selfish—stalling an entire division for personal legacy milestones.

“You can’t hold a whole division hostage for 800 days and not defend your belt,” said Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.

Cormier’s History with Jones Adds Weight to His Words

Of all people, Daniel Cormier’s voice matters most in this debate. Not just because he’s a respected analyst, but because he understands better than anyone what Jon Jones is capable of.

Having shared the Octagon with Jones twice, and suffering two losses (one later overturned), Cormier knows how rare Jones’ talent is. But that doesn’t mean he’ll excuse him from what he now sees as an obligation to the sport.

“If you’re gonna walk away, fine. But walk away after you give the fans what they want. Fight the interim champ. Fight Aspinall. If not, don’t pretend it’s some great warrior’s exit—it’s quitting.”

Cormier’s comments are gaining traction online, with many fans now echoing his sentiment and calling on the UFC to force a resolution.

Dana White Has a Decision to Make

All eyes are now on UFC President Dana White. In past situations involving interim champions—like Robert Whittaker, Tony Ferguson, or Colby Covington—White has been quick to strip inactive champs or make unification bouts.

Yet in Jones’ case, the UFC has remained unusually lenient.

That’s beginning to change. The pressure from media, fans, and now even former champions like Cormier may force the promotion to act—either by booking Jones vs. Aspinall or stripping the title if Jones doesn’t sign by a certain deadline.

Conclusion: Fight or Quit—Jones Faces a Defining Moment

The clock is ticking for Jon Jones. After more than two years as champion and only one title defense, his legacy now stands on a razor’s edge.

Daniel Cormier’s warning is loud and clear: if Jones retires without fighting Tom Aspinall, it won’t be seen as a champion walking away on his own terms.

It will be seen as the greatest of all time ducking the final test.

Will Bones rise to the occasion and silence the critics once again?

Or will he walk away—and let a new king rise without ever testing his throne?

Only one man knows the answer. But if history is any guide, the longer Jones stays silent, the louder the world will talk.