Jon Jones Mocks Tom Aspinall: ‘Rent Free’ – Is the Cage Fight Hotter Than Ever?

As the UFC heavyweight title picture continues to be mired in uncertainty, Tom Aspinall is turning his frustration into comedy gold—and Jon Jones remains the punchline. From viral skits to pointed jabs on social media, the battle between these two champions is heating up everywhere but inside the Octagon. And now, with Jones dropping hints about moving on from UFC competition, fans are beginning to question whether the long-awaited clash between the two will ever materialize.

Jon Jones’ Viral Motorcycle Moment Sparks Hilarious Mockery

It all started when Jon “Bones” Jones was caught on video in Thailand, awkwardly perched on the back of a motorcycle, clinging to the driver’s long hair as the two zipped through the streets. The footage instantly made the rounds online, prompting reactions ranging from confusion to laughter.

But no reaction landed quite like that of Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, who teamed up with Jiu-Jitsu star Craig Jones for a comedic skit that parodied the viral scene. In the sketch, Aspinall channels Jones’ now-infamous motorcycle ride, with Craig quipping, “Sorry, it’s a Jones thing, Tom!”—a line that had fans rolling and cemented Aspinall’s status as one of the sport’s top trolls.

Tom Aspinall Channels Frustration Into Comedy

While the skit was hilarious, the underlying message was hard to miss: Tom Aspinall is tired of waiting.

It’s now been over a year since Aspinall captured the interim UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 295, stepping in on short notice and knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round. Since then, he’s defended his interim crown and done everything right. The only thing missing? A chance to unify the belt with Jon Jones, the so-called undisputed champion who has fought just once since March 2023.

In his YouTube short titled “Where are you Jon 🦆”, Aspinall has already taken shots at Jones’ prolonged absence, hilariously editing himself into scenes of Jones’ daily life—always lurking, always waiting. And this latest skit in Thailand just adds to a growing collection of mockery aimed at Jones’ reluctance to face him.

Jon Jones Fires Back: “Rent Free”

Jones didn’t let the joke slide. The former light heavyweight king, who has a history of trolling opponents and dodging questions with cryptic comments, took to Instagram with a two-word response: “Rent free”, accompanied by a coconut and tree emoji—a not-so-subtle callback to his now-mocked line: “I’m over here sipping on coconut, and you’re talking about when you gonna fight.”

The jab may have been short, but it said a lot. Jones continues to sidestep serious discussion about facing Tom Aspinall, instead leaning into the role of aloof champion while enjoying his travels and media appearances abroad.

Fans Are Losing Patience—and Signing Petitions

Meanwhile, the MMA community is growing increasingly restless. Despite Dana White’s repeated assurances that a unification fight would be made, there’s still no date, no contract, and no clear timeline for Jones vs Aspinall. This delay has prompted a “Strip Jon Jones” petition that has steadily gained traction, echoing calls from fans and analysts alike to crown a new undisputed champion if Jones continues to hold the belt hostage.

The argument is simple: if you’re not willing to defend, you shouldn’t be champion. Especially in a division as competitive—and top-heavy—as the UFC’s heavyweight class.

Jones Eyes Exhibition Matches Instead of UFC Showdowns

In a recent appearance on the DeepCut with VicBlends podcast, Jon Jones gave fans a glimpse into his future—and it doesn’t necessarily include defending his UFC title.

“I do feel like I will be a lifelong martial artist, whether I’m coaching others or taking exhibition matches… I feel like I have a lot more options than a lot of the other fighters as far as the ability to leave and return.”

That quote set off alarm bells across the MMA world. While exhibition matches have become a money-making phenomenon—thanks to names like Jake Paul, KSI, and Logan Paul—they’re also seen as an escape hatch for fighters who no longer want to compete at the highest level.

Is Jones setting himself up for retirement without saying the word? Is he preparing for a final payday outside the Octagon rather than fulfilling his obligation as UFC heavyweight champion?

Exhibition Fights Could Be Jones’ New Playground

The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Fighters like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley have all dabbled in exhibition or crossover boxing bouts. The money is substantial, the risk is lower, and the public interest is often massive.

Jones—arguably the GOAT of MMA—would be a massive draw if he were to enter the boxing crossover world. A matchup with a Jake Paul or even another ex-UFC legend could generate millions. But it would also mean leaving behind a UFC heavyweight division in limbo, with Tom Aspinall holding the interim belt and no clear path to legitimizing his reign.

Tom Aspinall Isn’t Amused Anymore

Though he’s taken the high road—and the comedic one—Aspinall’s mood is visibly shifting. The British star has called out Jones respectfully in interviews, emphasized his desire for the fight, and even expressed understanding for Jones’ long recovery from injury.

But now, with Jones partying in Thailand and teasing an exit from the UFC, Aspinall’s humor is starting to feel more like a coping mechanism than entertainment. The frustration is visible, even through the jokes. He’s ready, the fans are ready, and the sport needs it—but the man holding the belt isn’t budging.

The UFC Needs to Step In Before It’s Too Late

It’s time for Dana White and the UFC brass to make a move. This situation can’t drag on much longer without doing real damage to the legitimacy of the heavyweight division. Fans are already disillusioned. Fighters are stuck in limbo. And a rising star like Aspinall is left with nothing to do but create skits.

Three clear options are available to resolve this stalemate:

1. Strip Jon Jones of the title and crown Tom Aspinall the undisputed champion.

2. Mandate a unification fight by the end of 2025, with financial penalties if Jones fails to comply.

3. Allow Aspinall to defend his interim belt against a top contender, giving the winner undisputed status if Jones remains inactive.

If the UFC continues to protect Jon Jones at the expense of the sport’s progress, it sends a dangerous message: star power trumps merit, and belts can be held hostage by fighters with enough clout.

Aspinall vs Jones Is the Fight the World Wants

Despite Jones’ comments about Alex Pereira being “the fight fans want”, the truth is obvious—Tom Aspinall vs Jon Jones is the fight that must happen. It’s the most compelling, most competitive, and most necessary fight in the UFC heavyweight division.

It pits the veteran legend against the rising star. It decides who the real king of the big men is. And it gives fans the kind of elite, high-stakes championship bout that made the UFC what it is today.

Final Thoughts: Skits Are Funny, But the Situation Is Not

Tom Aspinall may be cracking jokes and roasting Jon Jones’ motorcycle escapades, but the humor only masks the deeper issue: Jon Jones is looking past the UFC, and the UFC is letting him.

Until action is taken, the heavyweight division will remain stuck in a cycle of rumors, social media jabs, and skits that mock reality instead of changing it. The fans deserve better. Tom Aspinall deserves better.

And if Jon Jones really is the GOAT, it’s time for him to prove it one last time—in the Octagon, not on Instagram.