Former UFC fighter and current PFL star Marc Diakiese has made a bold statement regarding Jon Jones’ future in the UFC, urging the legendary fighter to walk away from the sport rather than risk his legacy in a dangerous bout against Tom Aspinall.
The Debate Over Jon Jones’ Legacy
The MMA world is abuzz with discussions about whether Jon Jones should retire rather than risk his legacy against the young and hungry Tom Aspinall. Jones, the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. However, at 37 years old, some believe that stepping into the octagon against Aspinall, the British interim heavyweight champion, could be an unnecessary risk for his career.
Former UFC fighter and current PFL star Marc Diakiese has publicly stated that Jones should retire now, having already cemented his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. In his opinion, taking on someone as dangerous and explosive as Aspinall serves no real purpose for Jones’ legacy.
“Jon Jones has done it all. He doesn’t need to prove anything. He can just retire.” – Marc Diakiese
Jon Jones’ Legacy in the UFC Heavyweight Division
At 37 years old, Jon Jones remains one of the most dominant forces in MMA history. Having claimed the UFC heavyweight championship after defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, Jones further solidified his legacy with a technical knockout victory over veteran Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. With 12 title defenses under his belt and an unblemished record at heavyweight, many consider him the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the sport.
However, the landscape of the heavyweight division has changed dramatically. Tom Aspinall, the current interim champion, has been on a meteoric rise, finishing nearly all of his fights in the first round. As fans demand a title unification bout, pressure mounts on Jones to take on the dangerous English contender. But is it a risk worth taking?
Marc Diakiese: ‘Jon Jones Should Just Walk Away’
Diakiese, who spent seven years in the UFC before transitioning to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), believes Jones has nothing left to prove and should retire before facing Aspinall. In an interview with Mirror Fighting, he explained why:
“For me, what Jon Jones has achieved and what he has done, I think he should just walk away. Tom Aspinall is young, fresh, and hungry. Jon Jones has done it all. He doesn’t need to be facing guys that are young and hungry at that level.”
Diakiese’s perspective aligns with many who argue that Jones has already cemented his legacy. Having defeated icons like Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Daniel Cormier, there is little left for him to prove inside the octagon.
Tom Aspinall: The Rising Star Hungry for Gold
At just 31 years old, Tom Aspinall has taken the UFC heavyweight division by storm. His dominant performance at UFC Manchester, where he knocked out Curtis Blaydes in the first round, solidified his position as the number one contender. UFC President Dana White has even referred to him as a “young, aggressive, talented heavyweight.”
Aspinall has one clear objective: to become the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. He has openly stated that a fight with Jones is the only one that matters to him.
“I want Jon Jones. That’s the only fight I care about. He has my belt. Until I fight him, my journey isn’t complete.”
Would Jones vs. Aspinall Be Too Big of a Risk?
For Jones, taking on Aspinall poses a massive risk. The British powerhouse is known for his explosive striking, elite grappling, and a finishing rate that is unparalleled in the heavyweight division.
Joe Rogan, a longtime MMA commentator, previously stated that Jones could “ragdoll” Aspinall on the ground, but others argue that Aspinall’s youth, power, and finishing ability make him a dangerous challenge. Diakiese doubled down on his stance:
“He’s fought all the top guys you could possibly think of like Rampage, Machida, DC – he’s done everything. He doesn’t need to prove anything. He can just retire. He’s got the heavyweight belt… leave it!“
The Business Side of Jones’ Retirement
For Jones, the decision isn’t just about legacy – it’s also about money. With his star power, he could potentially cash out on one final fight or even move into commentary, coaching, or business ventures.
Diakiese acknowledges that if Jones does decide to fight Aspinall, he should ensure it comes with a massive payday:
“If it was me and I was fighting him, I’d make sure I was getting paid big money before I leave.”
This aligns with Jones’ past statements about only taking major fights for the right price. Whether he views Aspinall as a worthy financial and career risk remains to be seen.
The Future of Heavyweight MMA: UFC vs. PFL
While Jones contemplates his next move, Diakiese has found new life in the PFL, a promotion known for its annual single-elimination tournament format. He praised the organization for offering fighters more stability compared to the UFC’s unpredictable matchmaking:
“With my schedule, I know I can come here. I know I’ll fight three times, and then after that, I can do other things. At the end of the day, I’m a fighter, but I also have a life.”
PFL’s high-stakes tournament format has drawn significant attention, with winners securing $500,000 bonuses and a total prize pool exceeding $20 million. Fighters like Dakota Ditcheva, who won $1 million in the flyweight tournament, showcase the financial appeal of PFL compared to the traditional UFC contract structure.
Should Jon Jones Retire or Take on Aspinall?
The debate rages on: should Jon Jones walk away as one of the greatest of all time, or should he take on Tom Aspinall and put his legacy on the line?
If Jones retires now, he leaves as an undefeated heavyweight champion, arguably at the top of his game. But if he stays and loses to Aspinall, it could damage his GOAT status. On the other hand, if he wins, he cements his legendary career even further.
What do you think? Should Jones hang up the gloves, or should he take on Aspinall in one final epic showdown?
