The only thing certain is that UFC 317 will deliver an unforgettable night of fights.

The anticipation is over. Jon Jones will officially face Tom Aspinall at UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28, 2025. This blockbuster event will also feature Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, making it one of the biggest fight cards of the year.

For months, the MMA world has speculated whether Jon Jones would return after his injury. Now, it is official. He will step into the Octagon to prove he is still the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall, the surging British contender, is ready to shock the world and dethrone the legend.

This is more than just a fight. It is a battle for legacy, dominance, and the future of the heavyweight division.

Jon Jones: The Greatest of All Time Returns to Defend His Throne

Jon Jones is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. His record speaks for itself—he has dominated the sport for over a decade, defeating the likes of Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Glover Teixeira. He became the youngest UFC champion in history and has never been beaten decisively inside the Octagon.

After a successful move to heavyweight, Jones claimed the undisputed title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in a stunning first-round victory. However, an unfortunate injury sidelined him before he could defend his belt against Stipe Miocic.

Now, he is back. Stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever. But this time, he faces a new challenge. Tom Aspinall is younger, faster, and hungrier than any opponent Jones has ever faced.

Tom Aspinall: The British Powerhouse Ready to Take Over

For years, fans have asked who could dethrone Jon Jones. Many believe the answer is Tom Aspinall. The British sensation has taken the heavyweight division by storm with his speed, power, and elite grappling skills.

Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title with a stunning first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He has proven that he can finish fights in multiple ways—whether by submission or devastating knockouts. His victories over top contenders like Marcin Tybura, Alexander Volkov, and Andrei Arlovski have made him a serious threat to Jones’ reign.

At 6’5″ with incredible athleticism, Aspinall is built to challenge Jones in every area. His striking is crisp, his movement is fluid, and his ground game is world-class. The big question remains: Can he handle the experience, fight IQ, and legendary resilience of Jon Jones?

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: A Battle for Lightweight Supremacy

While Jones vs. Aspinall is the headliner, the co-main event is equally massive. Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight championship against Ilia Topuria in a matchup that promises fireworks.

Makhachev, a disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has dominated the division with his grappling, pressure, and suffocating top control. His victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier solidify his status as one of the best fighters on the planet.

But standing across from him is Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom. Known for his explosive knockout power and elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Topuria is determined to shock the world. His impressive performances against Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and Ryan Hall have made him a rising superstar.

This is a classic clash of styles: Makhachev’s relentless wrestling vs. Topuria’s devastating striking. Whoever wins this fight will cement their place as the king of the lightweight division.

How This Event Shapes the Future of the UFC

UFC 317 is not just another fight card—it is a defining moment in MMA history.

• If Jon Jones wins, his legacy as the greatest fighter ever will be untouchable. He will prove that even after a long layoff, no one can take his crown.
• If Tom Aspinall pulls off the upset, it will signal a new era for the heavyweight division. The young champion will have conquered the most dominant fighter in UFC history.
• Islam Makhachev looks to continue the Dagestani dynasty, proving that his reign at lightweight is just beginning.
• Ilia Topuria has a chance to become Spain’s first-ever UFC champion, a monumental achievement for his country and career.

The results of UFC 317 will dictate the direction of these two weight classes for years to come.

Can Jon Jones Handle the Next Generation of Heavyweights?

One of the biggest questions surrounding this fight is whether Jon Jones can still dominate against a new breed of heavyweights. Fighters like Aspinall, Pavlovich, and Gane are younger, more explosive, and more well-rounded than the heavyweights of the past.

Jones has always relied on his unmatched fight IQ, range management, and ability to neutralize opponents. But will that be enough against Aspinall, who moves like a middleweight and has elite finishing ability?

On the other hand, Aspinall has never faced anyone as experienced and well-rounded as Jones. He has looked flawless so far, but the challenge of fighting a goat contender is a different level of pressure.

Who will impose their will? Will Jones’ championship experience be the deciding factor, or will Aspinall’s youth and explosiveness be too much to handle?

The Hype Around UFC 317 is Unmatched

The excitement for UFC 317 is reaching fever pitch. This is a card that has everything:

• Two championship fights with massive stakes.
• The return of Jon Jones, the greatest of all time.
• The rise of Tom Aspinall, the British superstar.
• Islam Makhachev’s toughest test against Ilia Topuria.

Fans around the world are already debating the outcomes. Will we witness the passing of the torch in the heavyweight division? Or will Jon Jones remind everyone why he is still the best to ever do it?

Either way, on June 28, 2025, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be the battleground for MMA history.

Final Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 317?

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is a fight that could go in many directions.

• If Jones controls the pace, uses his wrestling, and avoids heavy exchanges, he could grind out a dominant victory.
• If Aspinall lands early and pressures Jones, he could score a knockout and shock the world.
• For Makhachev vs. Topuria, the battle comes down to wrestling vs. striking. If Makhachev gets Topuria down, it could be a long night for the Spanish challenger. If Topuria keeps it standing, an upset is possible.

The only thing certain is that UFC 317 will deliver an unforgettable night of fights.