Jon Jones, the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, is once again in the spotlight, but this time, not just for his achievements inside the octagon. After unsuccessful negotiations for a potential fight with Tom Aspinall, former UFC star Marc Diakiese has publicly advised Jones to retire, raising questions about the legendary fighter’s future in the sport.

Jon Jones’ Unparalleled Legacy in the UFC

For over a decade, Jon Jones has been a dominant force in the UFC, cementing himself as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His ability to seamlessly blend wrestling, striking, and fight IQ has allowed him to defeat some of the most formidable opponents in MMA history, including Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Daniel Cormier.

However, Jones’ career has been marred by controversies, including multiple suspensions, legal troubles, and doping violations. Despite these setbacks, he managed to return to the sport and capture the UFC Heavyweight Championship, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.

Before his successful title defense against Stipe Miocic in November of last year, Jones hinted at retirement, suggesting that his time in the sport was nearing its end. Yet, after a dominant third-round submission victory over Miocic, the 37-year-old fighter teased that he might stay for “one more fight” to give fans what they want.

Tom Aspinall: The Rising Heavyweight Star

Meanwhile, British heavyweight Tom Aspinall has been on an impressive run, with many considering him the best heavyweight on the planet right now. His explosive speed, sharp boxing, and well-rounded skill set make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.

Aspinall last fought in July of last year, where he successfully defended his interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes. Since then, UFC fans have been clamoring for a title unification bout between Aspinall and Jones. However, negotiations have stalled, leading to speculation about whether Jones is truly interested in facing the young and hungry contender.

Marc Diakiese’s Advice: Jon Jones Should Walk Away

In a recent interview with Mirror Fighting, former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese weighed in on the situation, urging Jon Jones to retire rather than take on Aspinall. Diakiese, who now competes in PFL, believes that Jones has already accomplished everything there is to achieve in MMA and has nothing left to prove.

“With everything Jon Jones has done and everything he has accomplished, I think he should walk away. Tom Aspinall is young, fresh, and hungry. Jones has already done it all. He doesn’t need to fight these young lions at this stage in his career.”

Diakiese emphasized that Jones has already faced the best of the best throughout his career and doesn’t need to risk his legacy by fighting someone as dangerous as Aspinall.

“He has fought everyone – Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, all the top fighters you can think of. He doesn’t need to prove anything. He has the heavyweight belt, so why not just walk away?”

Is Jon Jones Avoiding Tom Aspinall?

Despite his legendary status, some fans and analysts have started to question whether Jones is deliberately avoiding a fight with Aspinall. The British heavyweight’s combination of speed, power, and technical prowess makes him a unique challenge for Jones, and some speculate that Jones might not want to risk his legacy against an opponent of Aspinall’s caliber.

However, others argue that Jones’ reluctance to sign the fight could be attributed to his financial demands or ongoing contract negotiations with the UFC. Over the years, Jones has been vocal about fighter pay and has often engaged in tense negotiations with UFC President Dana White over his earnings.

What’s Next for Jon Jones?

If Jon Jones decides to walk away from the sport, he will retire as one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. However, if he chooses to stay, he faces some difficult decisions.

Fight Tom Aspinall: If Jones truly wants to cement his legacy, a victory over Aspinall would silence all doubters and prove that he is still at the top of the heavyweight division.
Hold Out for a Mega-Fight: Jones could push for a lucrative super-fight against someone like Francis Ngannou, should the former champion return to the UFC.
Retirement: Walking away while still on top would preserve his legacy and prevent him from suffering an unnecessary loss that could tarnish his reputation.

Conclusion: Is It Time for Jon Jones to Retire?

Jon Jones’ career is at a crossroads. While he remains one of the most dominant figures in the sport, his reluctance to finalize a fight with Tom Aspinall has led to increased speculation about his future.

Whether Jones is avoiding Aspinall, negotiating for a bigger payday, or genuinely contemplating retirement, one thing is certain – his decision will have a lasting impact on the UFC Heavyweight Division and the sport of mixed martial arts as a whole.

For now, fans can only wait and see whether the UFC legend will step into the octagon one last time or choose to hang up his gloves for good.