Jon Jones is still avoiding Tom Aspinall: Age, speed, or fear of failure are preventing the UFC legend from facing a new challenge?

The heavyweight division of the UFC has always carried a mystique that sets it apart. For years, Jon Jones reigned supreme at light heavyweight, toppling legends, surviving wars, and cementing a legacy that is virtually unmatched. But since his move to heavyweight and subsequent win over Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title, Jones has been the subject of growing criticism—not just for his inactivity, but also for what appears to be a deliberate avoidance of a new, dangerous threat: Tom Aspinall.

As fans and analysts clamor for what could be one of the most technically intriguing matchups in recent UFC history, questions are emerging. Is Jon Jones avoiding Tom Aspinall because of age, declining speed, or even fear of finally tasting defeat?

Tom Aspinall: The Fastest-Rising Star in the Heavyweight Division

Tom Aspinall is not just another name in the mix. The British powerhouse has taken the UFC by storm with a unique combination of speed, precision, and grappling ability that is rarely seen in heavyweights. At just 31 years old, Aspinall has proven himself against top-tier opponents, most notably with his destruction of Marcin Tybura and his interim title win against Sergei Pavlovich.

What makes Aspinall even more threatening is his calm composure and adaptability inside the Octagon. He moves like a middleweight, strikes like a heavyweight, and has an underrated ground game. For many, he represents the future of the division. But for Jon Jones, he may represent something far more daunting: the changing of the guard.

Jon Jones: The Unquestionable Legacy, But A Questionable Path

There’s no denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. With a record that includes wins over Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Lyoto Machida, Jones has proven time and again that he can handle adversity. However, his move to heavyweight has left fans with more questions than answers.

Jones was scheduled to face Stipe Miocic in 2023, a bout that was postponed due to injury. While Miocic is a former champion and widely respected, he is also 41 and hasn’t fought in years. In contrast, Tom Aspinall is in his prime and active, making him a more relevant and competitive opponent.

Yet, Jones continues to focus on the Miocic fight, with no public signs of interest in facing Aspinall. For a man who once claimed he would “clean out divisions,” this selective matchmaking raises eyebrows.

Could Age and Speed Be Catching Up With Jon Jones?

At 36, Jon Jones is no longer the spry, unpredictable fighter who dominated the 205-pound division. While his move to heavyweight might have been strategic for extending his career, it also comes with challenges—facing bigger, faster, and more explosive athletes.

Tom Aspinall’s speed is a nightmare for aging heavyweights. Jones has always relied on timing and reach, but against a fighter who can close distance quickly and land precise strikes, those tools might not be enough. In a five-round war, it’s unclear whether Jones’ cardio and durability would hold up against a younger, more athletic opponent.

Age is undefeated in combat sports. While Jones is still elite, he’s now dealing with not only physical wear and tear but also the psychological burden of maintaining an unbeaten streak (his only loss being a controversial disqualification). Facing Aspinall could threaten that legacy.

The Fear of Losing and Legacy Protection

It’s no secret that many great champions carefully manage the twilight of their careers. For Jon Jones, who has spent over a decade atop the sport, the fear of tarnishing his legacy might play a bigger role than fans realize.

A loss to Tom Aspinall—particularly a brutal one—could change how fans and historians view Jones. While his accomplishments remain impressive, the narrative could shift from “GOAT” to “past his prime and exposed by the new era.”

There’s also the promotional angle to consider. A loss to Aspinall might devalue future Jones fights and diminish his drawing power. For the UFC, a Jones vs. Miocic bout is a safer promotional bet with more historical weight, even if it’s less competitive on paper.

Dana White’s Role in the Delay

UFC President Dana White has often been vague about a Jon Jones vs. Aspinall matchup. While he praised Aspinall after UFC 295, he emphasized that the next move for Jones is still Stipe Miocic.

This could be a calculated move to protect their biggest star. Jon Jones is still a box office juggernaut, and the UFC may not want to risk a loss against a fighter who is less known to casual fans. By contrast, a farewell fight against Miocic offers a lucrative sendoff and minimal risk.

However, this logic has drawn criticism. Fighters like Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich were denied title shots due to “timing issues,” yet Jones has been given more leeway. For a sport that prides itself on meritocracy, this selective matchmaking feels more like boxing.

Tom Aspinall Continues to Wait

Despite the delays, Tom Aspinall remains respectful but persistent. He’s made it clear that he wants to unify the heavyweight belts and face the best. Yet, with each passing month, it’s becoming evident that he may have to wait until Jon Jones retires or is stripped of the title.

This stagnation in the division could be harmful long-term. Fighters like Aspinall, Sergei Pavlovich, and even Jailton Almeida deserve clarity and opportunity. The UFC must decide whether protecting a legend is worth stalling the progress of the most dynamic heavyweight division in years.

The Fans Are Growing Restless

MMA is a sport built on action and anticipation. Fans are beginning to lose patience with the UFC’s reluctance to book Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. Social media is flooded with calls for the bout, and analysts are openly questioning Jones’ motives.

Even legends like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup and how dangerous Aspinall truly is. When fellow elite fighters are expressing doubts about Jones taking the fight, it adds fuel to the fire.

What’s Next? A Legacy Fight or a Legacy Protected?

The coming months will be crucial for Jon Jones. Will he choose to go out on his terms against a fading legend, or will he step up and prove once more why he’s considered the best ever?

For now, the ball is in Jones’ court. The fans want clarity, the fighters want opportunity, and the sport needs resolution. If Jon Jones truly wants to be remembered as the greatest of all time, he must face the next generation—and Tom Aspinall is knocking loudly on that door.

Until that fight is made, the question will remain: Is Jon Jones avoiding Tom Aspinall? And if so, what is he really afraid of?