Tom Aspinall Turns His Back on Jon Jones: ‘Let’s Get Started’ – Is a New Fight Coming?

The long-running saga at the top of the UFC heavyweight division has taken another dramatic twist. Tom Aspinall, the British powerhouse and interim UFC heavyweight champion, has finally had enough of waiting for Jon Jones. In a bold statement on the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, Aspinall confirmed that he has locked in a new opponent and is ready to bring action back to a stagnating division.

Tom Aspinall Confirms Next Fight Without Jon Jones

Tom Aspinall made headlines this week when he confirmed that he will not wait any longer for Jon Jones, revealing that his next bout is already set.

“This is exciting times for the heavyweight division. We get some movement,” Aspinall said. “People are literally forgetting that heavyweights exist. Nobody has fought for so long, this is crazy. We’ve got a guy holding it up. That’s old news. The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all, let’s get it on.”

The message was clear: Tom Aspinall is moving forward, and the UFC is finally getting heavyweight action back on the calendar.

Aspinall Blasts Jon Jones: “He’s Retired. He’s Done.”

Appearing alongside Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Aspinall did not mince words when it came to Jon Jones.

“Guys, why are we still talking about Jon? He’s retired. He’s done,” Aspinall declared. “I said a long time ago, ‘I’m gonna retire Jon without even fighting him’. That’s what’s happened.”

The comment marks a dramatic shift in tone from Aspinall, who for the past year had expressed eagerness to unify the heavyweight titles with Jones. But after a year of radio silence and stalled negotiations, it’s clear that the Briton is no longer interested in chasing ghosts.

Heavyweight Division in Limbo: Aspinall Sparks Movement

For months, the UFC heavyweight division has been at a standstill. Jon Jones, who won the undisputed title in March 2023, hasn’t fought since due to a torn pectoral muscle. Meanwhile, Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich last November to win the interim belt but was left with no dance partner for nearly a year.

“Nobody has fought for so long, this is crazy,” Aspinall said. “We’ve got a guy holding it up.”

With Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic still up in the air and no unification bout on the calendar, Aspinall’s decision to move on signals a return to momentum in the heavyweight ranks.

The Active Heavyweight Champion Is Here

Despite holding only the interim belt, Tom Aspinall has taken it upon himself to carry the division. With Jones absent and seemingly uninterested, Aspinall is stepping into the spotlight as the true ambassador of heavyweight MMA in the UFC.

“The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all,” he declared.

It’s a message fans have been waiting to hear. With the division stuck in limbo for almost a year, the fact that Aspinall is booked to fight again has injected fresh energy and excitement into a weight class that many felt was being neglected.

Who Will Aspinall Fight Next? Top Contenders Line Up

While Aspinall has not yet revealed his next opponent, speculation is running rampant. The shortlist includes some of the UFC’s most dangerous and recognizable heavyweights:

• Ciryl Gane – The former interim champion is known for his elite striking and has bounced back from his title loss to Jones.

• Sergei Pavlovich – The man Aspinall knocked out for the interim belt could be due for a rematch, especially given how explosive their first encounter was.

• Stipe Miocic – Long considered the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021 and was originally slated to face Jones before injury delayed the bout.

• Jailton Almeida or Curtis Blaydes – Both are surging contenders who could pose stylistic threats and bring fresh blood into the title picture.

Regardless of who steps in, Tom Aspinall is ready to prove that he’s the real heavyweight king—with or without Jones.

Jon Jones’s Silence Grows Louder

While Aspinall is moving forward, Jon Jones has stayed quiet, fueling speculation that he may be heading toward an unofficial retirement.

Just last week, Jones said that he and Aspinall had “agreed” behind the scenes and were waiting on the UFC for a final announcement. But the latest comments from Aspinall suggest those negotiations have collapsed.

“He’s done. He’s retired,” Aspinall said bluntly.

This could be Jon Jones’s greatest missed opportunity. A win over Aspinall would’ve solidified his GOAT status at heavyweight, but his absence and reluctance to engage have left a vacuum of legitimacy that Aspinall is more than happy to fill.

Dana White and the UFC: Decision Time Looms

UFC President Dana White is now at a crossroads. With Jon Jones inactive and the division crying out for clarity, the UFC must decide:

• Will they strip Jon Jones of the title and promote Aspinall to undisputed champion?

• Will they book Aspinall vs Miocic and declare the winner the new face of the division?

• Or will they continue the confusing dual-champion status quo?

White has previously backed Jones as the heavyweight champion, but fan sentiment and Aspinall’s momentum may force his hand.

UFC Fans React: “Aspinall Is the Real Champ”

Fans across social media are rallying behind Tom Aspinall. Many believe that the Briton’s willingness to fight and keep the division alive makes him the true champion, regardless of title semantics.

“Jon Jones hasn’t defended the belt once. Aspinall’s out here trying to fight anyone,” one fan posted. “That’s the energy we need.”

Others called on the UFC to do what’s right and make Aspinall the undisputed heavyweight champion, especially if Jones is no longer committed to the sport.

Aspinall’s Star Continues to Rise

The 31-year-old from Manchester is quickly becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Charismatic, skilled, and brutally efficient in the cage, Tom Aspinall has all the tools to become a global face of MMA.

With Jones seemingly out of the picture, Aspinall now has the opportunity to build his own era at the top of the heavyweight division—one that is defined by activity, merit, and momentum.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Now

Tom Aspinall’s message is loud and clear: he’s no longer waiting for Jon Jones. With his next fight booked and a title defense incoming, the interim champ has taken the reins of a division that desperately needed leadership.

“Let’s get it on,” Aspinall roared. And with that, the UFC heavyweight division is finally coming back to life.

Whether Jon Jones returns or fades into the background, Aspinall has become the face of the future. The fans are with him. The contenders are lining up. And the Octagon awaits.