Jon Jones Exposed as a ‘Coward’ by Interim Champion: Avoiding Aspinall and Ngannou to Protect His Fake Reputation?

The legacy of Jon Jones, one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, is under scrutiny as critics and fighters alike question whether he is actively avoiding dangerous opponents. With the emergence of interim champion Tom Aspinall and the continued dominance of Francis Ngannou, many believe that Jones is deliberately sidestepping fights that could tarnish his legacy. Is Jon Jones truly avoiding these heavyweights to protect his reputation, or is this simply a strategic career move?

A Legacy Built on Greatness – or Selective Competition?

1. Jon Jones’ History of Dominance in the UFC

For over a decade, Jon Jones has been considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Holding multiple records in the light heavyweight division, Jones has defeated legends like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Lyoto Machida. His transition to the heavyweight division was met with immense anticipation, but his absence from key matchups has raised serious doubts about his willingness to take on the most dangerous challengers.

Despite his dominance, critics argue that Jones has been avoiding high-risk fights. His move to heavyweight was expected to bring matchups against top-tier competitors, but the reality has been far different.

2. The Controversy Surrounding His Fight Choices

When Jon Jones returned to the UFC in 2023, he quickly secured the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane. While the victory was impressive, many fans and analysts questioned the level of competition. Ciryl Gane, though a talented striker, had shown weaknesses in his wrestling game—an area where Jones excels. This led to speculation that Jones picked an easier opponent instead of facing Francis Ngannou, the reigning champion at the time.

Francis Ngannou, known for his devastating knockout power, left the UFC amid contractual disputes. Many believe that Jones strategically waited for Ngannou’s departure before making his move to heavyweight, avoiding what could have been the most dangerous fight of his career.

Why Is Jon Jones Avoiding Tom Aspinall?

1. Tom Aspinall’s Rapid Rise in the Heavyweight Division

Tom Aspinall, the UFC interim heavyweight champion, has been on an absolute tear, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that includes elite striking, grappling, and speed rarely seen in the heavyweight division. His dominant victory over Sergei Pavlovich cemented his place as one of the top contenders in the division. Despite his credentials, Aspinall has struggled to secure a fight with Jones.

Aspinall himself has openly called out Jon Jones, claiming that the UFC legend is deliberately avoiding a fight. Jones, on the other hand, has remained relatively silent on the matter, leaving many to wonder if he sees Aspinall as too great a risk to his legacy.

2. UFC’s Role in Protecting Jones’ Image

Some analysts speculate that the UFC is actively protecting Jon Jones, as he remains one of the biggest draws in the sport. A loss to Tom Aspinall could significantly diminish his star power, leading to fewer pay-per-view sales and reduced overall interest. The UFC has historically prioritized marketability over meritocracy, which could explain why the organization has not pushed harder for a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown.

Francis Ngannou: The Fight That Never Happened

1. The UFC’s Most Feared Knockout Artist

Francis Ngannou’s UFC run was defined by some of the most brutal knockouts in MMA history. He dismantled top-tier competition, including Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, before winning the heavyweight title. When contract negotiations with the UFC fell apart, Ngannou left for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), leaving fans disappointed that a potential fight with Jon Jones never materialized.

Many believe that Jones intentionally waited for Ngannou to exit the UFC before moving up to heavyweight, ensuring that he wouldn’t have to face one of the most dangerous strikers in combat sports history.

2. Ngannou’s Challenge and Jones’ Silence

Even after leaving the UFC, Francis Ngannou has continued to challenge Jon Jones on social media and in interviews. However, Jones has been reluctant to engage, further fueling speculation that he is avoiding high-risk fights. If Jones truly wanted to prove he was the best heavyweight in the world, wouldn’t he have pursued a fight with Ngannou before his departure?

Does Jon Jones Deserve the ‘Coward’ Label?

1. Strategic Career Moves or Fear of Losing?

Some argue that Jon Jones’ actions are purely strategic, ensuring that he maintains his reputation as the greatest fighter of all time. Avoiding fights against the most dangerous opponents might be frustrating for fans, but it also preserves his undefeated record (excluding his controversial disqualification loss).

Others believe that Jones genuinely fears facing fighters who can expose his weaknesses. With age catching up and the competition evolving, taking on Aspinall or Ngannou could present a far greater challenge than anything he has faced before.

2. The Potential Impact on Jones’ Legacy

If Jon Jones continues to avoid top-tier opponents, his legacy may be permanently tainted. While his dominance at light heavyweight is undeniable, his move to heavyweight has been surrounded by controversy. Fighters like Aspinall and Ngannou represent the ultimate tests, and avoiding them could suggest that Jones is more concerned with maintaining his legacy than proving he is the best fighter of his generation.

What’s Next for Jon Jones?

With the UFC heavyweight division stacked with talent, Jon Jones has several options:

• Fight Tom Aspinall to unify the heavyweight titles and silence the critics.

• Challenge Francis Ngannou in a historic crossover fight.

• Continue avoiding these challenges, risking damage to his reputation.

Ultimately, only time will tell whether Jon Jones is truly the GOAT or if he is merely protecting his legacy by avoiding the toughest fights. One thing is certain: fans want answers, and the UFC must address these concerns if they want the heavyweight division to retain its credibility.