Tom Aspinall officially turned down Jon Jones and is ready for the next challenge

Tom Aspinall, the reigning UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, has officially confirmed what many fans have speculated in recent weeks—he is no longer waiting for Jon Jones. The British powerhouse has turned down the long-hyped matchup with the undisputed heavyweight champion and is now actively seeking a new opponent to continue his rise in the UFC heavyweight division.

This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing story of the UFC’s heavyweight landscape, signaling a shift in focus for Aspinall, who has grown increasingly frustrated with delays and uncertainty surrounding Jon Jones’ return.

Why Tom Aspinall Rejected Jon Jones

The anticipation surrounding a potential showdown between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones had gripped MMA fans for months. But despite the build-up, the fight never materialized—mostly due to Jon Jones’ prolonged recovery from injury and his silence regarding any official return date. Aspinall, who won the interim belt in November 2023 with a lightning-fast knockout of Sergei Pavlovich, had hoped the victory would earn him a title unification bout.

However, Jones’ shoulder injury, coupled with ongoing speculation about his future in the sport, has kept the division in limbo. Aspinall made it clear that he’s not willing to put his career on hold indefinitely while waiting for Jones.

In a recent interview, Aspinall said, “I’ve made peace with the fact that Jon doesn’t want to fight me. I’m not going to wait around any longer. It’s time to move forward. I’m ready for the next challenge.”

Ready to Defend the Interim Belt

With Jon Jones reportedly still recovering and no clear timeline for his return, Tom Aspinall is ready to defend his interim belt rather than sit idle. The UFC interim champion has expressed a strong desire to stay active, believing that fighting regularly is key to his growth and dominance in the heavyweight division.

Aspinall’s decision may be fueled by both frustration and ambition. He has repeatedly stated his intention to become the greatest heavyweight of all time, and a long layoff waiting for a single opponent contradicts that goal. By stepping away from the pursuit of Jones, he’s signaling to the UFC that he’s open and available for big fights right now.

Who’s Next for Tom Aspinall?

Now that Jon Jones is officially out of the picture—at least for now—the question becomes: who will be next for Tom Aspinall? A number of heavyweight contenders are emerging as legitimate threats or worthy challengers, and each brings a different style and danger to the octagon.

Here are a few potential opponents Aspinall could face next:

• Curtis Blaydes: Their first fight ended in an unfortunate knee injury for Aspinall just seconds into the bout. A rematch could give Aspinall a chance to erase that memory and prove himself.

• Ciryl Gane: The French striker remains one of the division’s most technically skilled fighters and a former interim champion himself.

• Sergei Pavlovich: Although Aspinall knocked him out for the interim title, Pavlovich is still a dangerous contender and could angle for a rematch.

• Jailton Almeida: A rising contender with elite grappling and a suffocating ground game, Almeida poses a unique challenge.

• Stipe Miocic: If Miocic decides not to wait for Jon Jones, a bout between him and Aspinall could be both legacy-defining and commercially massive.

The Jon Jones Dilemma

While Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic is still rumored to be the UFC’s plan for Jones’ return, the timeline remains murky. If that fight does happen later in 2025, it may be Jon Jones’ last in the octagon. He’s hinted multiple times that retirement could follow his return fight. If that’s the case, Tom Aspinall might never get the chance to unify the belts inside the cage.

Dana White and the UFC brass may soon be forced to make a difficult decision: strip Jon Jones of the undisputed title due to inactivity or allow the heavyweight division to continue being logjammed. If the former happens, Aspinall could be promoted to undisputed champion or be booked in a title fight to claim that honor officially.

Aspinall’s Rise Continues

One thing is clear: Tom Aspinall’s stock has never been higher. The British heavyweight is not only undefeated in fights that didn’t end in injury, but he has also finished nearly all his opponents with impressive speed and power. His blend of speed, fight IQ, boxing, and grappling makes him one of the most complete fighters in the division.

By stepping away from the Jon Jones drama and calling for a fight now, Aspinall is taking control of his legacy. He’s not just content to be the interim champion—he wants to be the face of the heavyweight division, and he’s willing to prove it against anyone.

What Fans Can Expect

Fans should expect an announcement soon regarding Aspinall’s next opponent. The UFC will likely try to keep him active, given his popularity and impressive performances. Whether it’s a rematch, a fresh challenge, or a legacy bout, Aspinall has made it clear—he’s ready.

In the meantime, Jon Jones’ future remains uncertain. But what’s certain is that Tom Aspinall isn’t waiting anymore. His message is loud and clear: The division moves on—with or without “Bones.”

Final Thoughts

Tom Aspinall officially turning down Jon Jones is more than just a headline—it’s a statement. It’s about a champion who refuses to let his career stall due to someone else’s delay. It’s about ambition, confidence, and hunger for greatness. And now, as the UFC looks ahead, it’s about finding the right opponent for a heavyweight star who’s just getting started.