Jon Jones is facing one of the most daunting challenges of his career, with a potential showdown against Tom Aspinall, the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion. While fans are eager to witness this battle, some believe that the reigning champion should avoid this fight altogether.
The MMA world is buzzing with speculation about a potential blockbuster heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While many believe this could be the toughest fight of Jones’ legendary career, a former UFC fighter has issued a bold statement—Jones should walk away rather than risk it all against the rising British powerhouse.
The idea of a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown has captivated fight fans worldwide, as it pits one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time against a dangerous young contender with devastating knockout power. But could this fight tarnish Jones’ legacy instead of cementing it?
Should Jon Jones Retire Instead of Facing Tom Aspinall?
The clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is a dream fight for MMA fans. It presents a thrilling matchup between a legendary fighter and a rising powerhouse with devastating knockout power. However, former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese has a different take on the situation. He believes that Jones, having already secured his place among the greatest mixed martial artists, should step away from the octagon rather than take on a dangerous young contender.
“For me, what Jon Jones has achieved, what he has done, I think he should just walk away,” Diakiese told The Daily Mirror. “Tom Aspinall is young and fresh; he’s hungry. Jon Jones has done it all. He doesn’t need to be facing guys that are young and hungry at that level.”
Jones, who has dominated the UFC for over a decade, has fought and defeated some of the biggest names in MMA history, including Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Daniel Cormier, and more. His legacy is undeniable, and many believe he has nothing left to prove. But is avoiding Tom Aspinall really the best decision for his career?
Tom Aspinall: A Dangerous Opponent for Jon Jones?
Tom Aspinall has been on a meteoric rise in the UFC’s heavyweight division. The British fighter has demonstrated elite striking, lightning-fast movement, and powerful knockout ability that makes him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. He has finished most of his fights in the first round, proving that he can put away anyone in the division in the blink of an eye.
Aspinall’s recent destruction of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 solidified his status as the next big thing in the heavyweight division. With a well-rounded skill set that includes both striking and grappling, many believe he has what it takes to dethrone Jon Jones.
Is Jon Jones Avoiding Tom Aspinall?
Some fans and analysts have speculated that Jones is deliberately stalling the fight with Aspinall. The British heavyweight himself has voiced frustration, accusing Jones of “holding up” the division by not committing to a fight. UFC President Dana White has even acknowledged Aspinall’s determination to make this fight happen.
Jones has been out of action since defeating Ciryl Gane in March 2023, where he claimed the UFC Heavyweight Championship with a dominant first-round submission. Since then, an unfortunate injury forced him to pull out of his scheduled fight against Stipe Miocic, leaving many wondering about his next move.
What’s at Stake for Jon Jones?
If Jon Jones chooses to fight Aspinall and wins, he would further solidify his legacy as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. A victory over a young, dangerous contender would prove that even at this stage in his career, he is still untouchable.
However, if he loses, it could be a major blow to his reputation. Many would argue that he was past his prime and unable to keep up with the next generation of fighters. A loss to Aspinall could also force him into an unplanned retirement.
Should Jon Jones Walk Away?
Marc Diakiese believes that Jones has already cemented his legacy and has no reason to put himself in harm’s way against a younger, hungrier opponent.
“He’s fought all the top guys you could possibly think of. He doesn’t need to prove anything; he can just retire. He’s got the heavyweight belt… leave it! If it was me, and I was fighting him, I’d make sure I was getting paid big money before I leave.”
Jones has made it clear that money is a key factor in his decision-making. He has always been a businessman first, negotiating lucrative deals for his fights. If he does take on Tom Aspinall, it would likely be for a massive payday.
What’s Next for the UFC Heavyweight Division?
The UFC heavyweight landscape is currently in a state of uncertainty. With Jon Jones recovering from injury and Stipe Miocic still waiting for his fight, Aspinall is left in limbo, eager for his shot at undisputed gold.
The UFC has a few options moving forward:
- Jones vs. Aspinall for the Undisputed Heavyweight Title – A fight that would be one of the biggest in UFC history.
Jones vs. Miocic First, Then the Winner Faces Aspinall – A possibility if Jones still wants to fight Miocic as originally planned.
Aspinall Defends His Interim Belt Against Another Contender – If Jones is out for a long period, Aspinall could fight Sergei Pavlovich or Curtis Blaydes in the meantime.
Will Jon Jones Accept the Challenge?
Despite all the speculation, Jon Jones has never backed down from a challenge. He has always taken on the best fighters in the world and found a way to win. If he truly wants to be remembered as the greatest of all time, fighting and beating Tom Aspinall would be the ultimate statement.
On one hand, defeating Aspinall would be the ultimate statement, proving that Jones is still the best in the world. On the other, walking away now preserves his legacy, ensuring that he remains one of the greatest fighters in history without risking defeat.
For now, the MMA world waits to see what Jon Jones will do next. Will he take on the young and hungry British star, or will he walk away, leaving his legacy untouched?
