The world of mixed martial arts thrives on high-stakes drama, larger-than-life personalities, and the promise of epic showdowns. Few narratives have captured the attention of the MMA community in recent years as intensely as the ongoing saga between UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall. For over 18 months, fans, analysts, and fighters alike have been clamoring for a unification bout between the two, a fight that could cement the legacy of one man while potentially derailing the other. Yet, as of this writing, the matchup remains unbooked, and the question on everyone’s lips is inescapable: Is Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall?
This isn’t just a question about a fight; it’s a debate that cuts to the core of Jones’ legacy, Aspinall’s career, and the UFC’s handling of its heavyweight division. To unpack this, we’ll dive deep into the timelines, the personalities, the politics, and the underlying motivations of all parties involved. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether Jones is truly avoiding Aspinall—or if there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
The Rise of Two Heavyweight Titans
To understand the stakes, we need to first look at the two men at the center of this controversy.
Jon Jones, at 37 years old, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His resume is a litany of accolades: the youngest UFC champion in history at the time of his light heavyweight title win in 2011, a record-setting 13 title defenses in that division, and an unbeaten streak that spans his entire career (his sole loss, a 2009 disqualification against Matt Hamill, is often dismissed as a technicality). Jones has faced and defeated a who’s-who of MMA legends—Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and Lyoto Machida, to name a few. His move to heavyweight in 2023 was seen as the final frontier for a fighter who had already conquered nearly every challenge at 205 pounds.
Jones’ heavyweight journey began with a bang. In March 2023, he submitted Ciryl Gane in under two minutes to claim the vacant UFC heavyweight title, a belt left open after Francis Ngannou’s departure from the promotion. The victory was a statement: Jones was not just here to compete in the division—he was here to dominate. However, a pectoral injury later that year sidelined him, postponing a planned title defense against Stipe Miocic, one of the most decorated heavyweights in UFC history. It was during this period of Jones’ absence that Tom Aspinall entered the picture.
Aspinall, a 32-year-old Briton, had been making waves in the UFC since his debut in 2020. With a record of 15-3 overall and 8-1 in the UFC, Aspinall quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division. His style is a blend of speed, power, and technical finesse rarely seen in the division—think of him as a heavyweight with the agility of a middleweight. Aspinall holds multiple UFC heavyweight records, including the fastest average fight time and the highest significant strike rate in the division’s history. On November 11, 2023, with Jones sidelined, Aspinall stepped in on short notice to face Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295. He knocked out Pavlovich in just 69 seconds, claiming the interim strap and announcing himself as a legitimate threat to Jones’ reign.
Aspinall didn’t stop there. In July 2024, he defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, avenging the lone UFC loss of his career (a 2022 injury-induced stoppage against Blaydes). The victory was a first-round knockout, further solidifying Aspinall’s claim to a shot at Jones. Meanwhile, Jones returned in November 2024 at UFC 309, stopping Miocic in the third round to retain his title. The stage seemed set for a unification bout—but that’s where the story takes a turn.
The Delay: A Timeline of Frustration
The timeline of events since Jones’ return has been a rollercoaster of hope, frustration, and mixed messages. Let’s break it down.
After Jones’ win over Miocic, UFC President Dana White was quick to declare that Jones vs. Aspinall would be next. In a post-fight press conference at UFC 309, White called it “the biggest heavyweight fight in the promotion’s history” and expressed confidence that the bout would happen in 2025. Aspinall, for his part, was vocal about his desire to unify the belts. In interviews following his July 2024 win over Blaydes, he stated, “I’m the interim champion, but I want to be the real champion. Jon Jones is the guy I need to fight to prove that.”
Yet, Jones’ response was far less enthusiastic. In the immediate aftermath of his win over Miocic, Jones expressed interest in “super fights” rather than facing “dangerous up-and-comers” like Aspinall. He name-dropped light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira as a potential opponent, suggesting that a fight with Pereira would be more legacy-defining than one with Aspinall. “I’ve already beaten the best heavyweights of the past generation,” Jones said in a November 2024 interview. “Now I want to fight established champions who can add to my brand.”
Aspinall, understandably, was frustrated. In March 2025, he revealed that he had met with White and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, who assured him that he wouldn’t be left in a “Michael Chandler situation”—a reference to Chandler’s years-long wait for a fight with Conor McGregor that never materialized. Aspinall was optimistic, but as the months dragged on with no announcement, his patience began to wear thin.
By May 2025, Aspinall’s frustration boiled over. On Demetrious Johnson’s podcast, he admitted that the wait was taking a toll on him mentally. “I’ve been inactive for almost a year with no prospects of anything apart from ‘wait,’” Aspinall said. “It’s kind of difficult mentally, but this is the fight against Jon Jones. I have to stay switched on, stay motivated, and I’m trying my best.” He added that if the UFC couldn’t make the fight happen soon, he was ready to move on to another opponent.
Jones, meanwhile, appeared unbothered. On May 13, 2025, during an Instagram Live session, he addressed fans accusing him of ducking Aspinall. “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck,” Jones said while seemingly riding a motorcycle. “Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life. I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.” The comments drew ire from fans, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. Some called for Jones to be stripped of the title, arguing that he was holding the division hostage.
A few days later, on May 19, Jones shifted the blame to the UFC. In a series of posts on X, he claimed that he had told the UFC his plans “a long time ago” and accused the promotion of failing to share those plans with fans. “Y’all barking up the wrong tree,” Jones wrote in response to a fan asking why he hadn’t vacated the title. The comments only fueled speculation: Was Jones planning to retire? Was he holding out for a massive payday? Or was he simply avoiding Aspinall?
On May 23, Jones escalated the feud, commenting on an Instagram post sharing Aspinall’s frustrations. “Shut your mouth and do as you’re told,” Jones wrote, echoing a line famously used by Conor McGregor during his feud with Michael Chandler. The remark was a brutal jab at Aspinall, who has been open about the mental toll of waiting for the fight. Fans and analysts alike criticized Jones for what they saw as unprofessional behavior, with some labeling him a “heel” who was deliberately antagonizing Aspinall.
As of May 25, 2025, the UFC has yet to announce the fight. With main events booked through UFC 319 on August 16, the earliest realistic date for Jones vs. Aspinall would be UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 13. But with Jones’ reluctance and the UFC’s apparent inability to force the issue, the bout feels further away than ever.
The Ducking Debate: Evidence For and Against
The term “ducking” in combat sports refers to a fighter avoiding a legitimate challenger, often out of fear of losing. It’s a serious accusation, one that can tarnish a fighter’s legacy. So, is Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall? Let’s examine the evidence on both sides.
The Case for Ducking
- Jones’ Reluctance to Commit
From the moment Aspinall won the interim title, Jones has been lukewarm at best about fighting him. His comments after UFC 309—prioritizing super fights with the likes of Alex Pereira over a unification bout—suggest that he doesn’t see Aspinall as a worthy opponent. This is a stark contrast to Aspinall’s eagerness, as the interim champion has repeatedly called for the fight and even defended his title in the meantime, a rare move for an interim champ. - Aspinall’s Dangerous Skillset
Aspinall is, statistically speaking, one of the most dangerous heavyweights in UFC history. His combination of speed, power, and grappling makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone, including Jones. At 37, Jones is no longer the invincible force he once was, and a loss to Aspinall could severely damage his legacy. Some speculate that Jones, a savvy veteran, recognizes this threat and is avoiding the fight to protect his record. - The Timing and Inactivity
Aspinall has been waiting for over 558 days since winning the interim title in November 2023. Jones, meanwhile, has fought just twice since 2020 and only once since Aspinall became interim champion. Critics argue that Jones is deliberately stalling, either to run out the clock on Aspinall’s prime or to negotiate a bigger payday. UFC analyst Teddy Atlas recently called Jones’ holdout “keeping the title hostage,” a sentiment echoed by many fans. - Jones’ Behavior and Mind Games
Jones’ comments—dismissing Aspinall’s credentials, telling him to “shut up and do as you’re told,” and flaunting his “best life” on social media—have been interpreted as attempts to mentally exhaust Aspinall. Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith, in a May 2025 interview, described Jones as a “master manipulator” who thrives on emotionally draining his opponents. Smith believes Jones is intentionally delaying the fight to frustrate Aspinall, hoping the interim champ will lose focus or move on. - Fan and Media Sentiment
The MMA community has largely turned against Jones in this saga. Fans on platforms like X have called for him to be stripped of the title, with hashtags like #StripJonJones gaining traction. Media outlets, including Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports, have criticized Jones for holding up the heavyweight division, with some labeling his actions as “ducking” outright. The consensus among many is that Jones, as the champion, has a responsibility to face the interim titleholder—a responsibility he’s failing to uphold.
The Case Against Ducking
- Jones’ Legacy of Facing Tough Opponents
Jon Jones has never been one to shy away from a challenge. His career is defined by taking on the best of the best, often when they were at their peak. He fought Daniel Cormier twice, despite a bitter rivalry, and took on dangerous strikers like Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes at light heavyweight. Jones has also cited a personal dislike for Aspinall as a reason for not fighting him, but he’s fought plenty of opponents he disliked in the past, including Cormier and Rashad Evans. To suggest that Jones is afraid of Aspinall ignores his history of facing adversity head-on. - Strategic Career Management
Jones has been open about wanting to maximize his earnings and legacy in the twilight of his career. In November 2024, he stated that the only way he’d fight Aspinall is if the UFC offered a “massive payday” that would “really change my mind.” This isn’t ducking—it’s a business decision. Jones, who has competed for over 15 years and endured numerous legal and personal struggles, may feel entitled to dictate the terms of his fights at this stage. As he put it in a May 2025 interview, his goal is to “continue to monetize on this amazing brand that I’ve created.” - The UFC’s Role in the Delay
Jones has claimed that he informed the UFC of his plans “a long time ago,” suggesting that the promotion is partly to blame for the lack of progress. While this could be a deflection, it’s worth considering that the UFC has a history of mismanaging its champions. For example, the organization allowed Jones to face Miocic in 2024 despite Aspinall’s interim title reign, a decision that delayed the unification bout by a year. If the UFC truly wanted Jones vs. Aspinall to happen, they could strip Jones of the title or offer him the financial incentive he’s seeking. Their inaction suggests that they may be complicit in the delay. - Aspinall’s Role in the Feud
Anthony Smith has argued that Aspinall’s approach—constantly calling out Jones and accusing him of ducking—may be backfiring. “Jon Jones does not care what Tom Aspinall wants,” Smith said in May 2025. “In fact, he wants to do the complete opposite of what Tom Aspinall wants.” Smith believes that Aspinall’s public provocations are giving Jones more reason to delay the fight, as Jones thrives on being in control. If Smith is right, then Jones’ reluctance may be less about fear and more about asserting dominance over the narrative. - Jones’ Current Commitments
Jones is currently filming Season 2 of “ALF Reality,” a Russian MMA reality show, alongside Nate Diaz in Thailand. This commitment, while a side project, indicates that Jones is prioritizing other ventures over an immediate return to the octagon. While this doesn’t excuse his inaction as champion, it provides context for his absence. Jones has also hinted at retirement, which could mean he’s weighing his options rather than actively avoiding Aspinall.
Is Jon Jones Ducking Tom Aspinall?
The Bigger Picture: Legacy, Money, and Power
The Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall saga isn’t just about a fight—it’s about the intersection of legacy, money, and power in the UFC. Let’s explore these dynamics.
Jon Jones’ Legacy
For Jones, this fight is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a win over Aspinall would silence his critics and further solidify his claim as the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history. It would also prove that, even at 37, he can still compete with the new generation of fighters. On the other hand, a loss to Aspinall would be catastrophic for Jones’ legacy. As an interim champion, Aspinall is seen as a “lesser” opponent in terms of name value; losing to him would undermine Jones’ aura of invincibility and give ammunition to those who argue that his heavyweight reign has been a fluke.
Jones’ reluctance to fight Aspinall may stem from this calculus. He’s already beaten legends like Gane and Miocic at heavyweight, and his light heavyweight resume is untouchable. Why risk it all against a dangerous up-and-comer when he could chase a super fight with Pereira or retire on his own terms? Jones has hinted at this mindset, stating in May 2025 that he’s focused on “legacy-building” fights rather than “dangerous up-and-comers.”
Tom Aspinall’s Career
For Aspinall, the stakes are just as high. At 32, he’s in the prime of his career, but the UFC’s handling of the heavyweight division has forced him into a year-long hiatus. Every day he spends waiting for Jones is a day he’s not fighting, not earning, and not building his legacy. Aspinall has been vocal about the mental toll of this wait, describing it as more challenging than his recovery from a 2022 knee injury. “I constantly had little goals to work towards during recovery,” he said in May 2025. “Now it’s just ‘be ready,’ and that’s kind of difficult mentally.”
Aspinall’s frustration is understandable. He’s done everything right—winning the interim title, defending it, and proving himself as a worthy challenger. Yet, he’s at the mercy of Jones and the UFC. If the fight doesn’t happen soon, Aspinall risks losing his prime years to inactivity, a fate that has befallen other fighters like Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson in the past.
The UFC’s Role
The UFC’s handling of this situation has been widely criticized. By allowing Jones to face Miocic in 2024 instead of Aspinall, the promotion effectively delayed the unification bout by a year. They’ve also failed to force Jones’ hand, either by stripping him of the title or offering the financial incentive he’s demanding. Dana White’s confidence that the fight will happen—“We’ll get Aspinall vs. Jones done, just relax,” he said in May 2025—rings hollow when no progress has been made.
Some speculate that the UFC is hesitant to strip Jones because of his star power. Jones, despite his controversies, remains one of the biggest draws in MMA history. A fight with Aspinall, while highly anticipated, doesn’t carry the same mainstream appeal as a super fight with Pereira or a legacy bout with another big name. The UFC may be playing the long game, hoping to maximize Jones’ value before he retires.
What’s Next?
As of May 25, 2025, the Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall saga remains unresolved. The earliest the fight could realistically happen is September 2025, but given Jones’ reluctance and the UFC’s inaction, that timeline feels optimistic. Here are a few possible scenarios:
- The Fight Happens
If the UFC can meet Jones’ financial demands—or if Jones has a change of heart—the fight could be booked for late 2025. This would be the best-case scenario for fans, as it would finally settle the debate over who the true heavyweight champion is. Aspinall’s speed and power would test Jones like never before, while Jones’ experience and fight IQ could expose gaps in Aspinall’s game. - Jones Retires or Is Stripped
If Jones continues to stall, the UFC may have no choice but to strip him of the title. This would allow Aspinall to be promoted to undisputed champion and move forward with defending the belt against other contenders. However, it would also deprive fans of the unification bout they’ve been waiting for, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who wanted to see Jones tested. - Aspinall Moves On
Aspinall has already hinted that he’s ready to fight someone else if the Jones bout doesn’t materialize. “We either need to fight, or I need to move on to something else,” he said in May 2025. If Aspinall takes another fight—perhaps against a contender like Sergei Pavlovich or Ciryl Gane—he risks losing his interim title if he’s defeated, which could complicate the heavyweight picture further.
The Verdict: Is Jon Jones Ducking Tom Aspinall?
After examining the evidence, the answer is a nuanced one: Jon Jones is not ducking Tom Aspinall in the traditional sense of being afraid to fight him, but he is deliberately avoiding the matchup for strategic reasons.
Jones’ history suggests that he’s not afraid of a challenge. He’s faced dangerous opponents throughout his career and has never backed down from a fight due to fear. However, his reluctance to fight Aspinall—coupled with his dismissive comments, focus on super fights, and demands for a massive payday—indicates that he’s prioritizing his legacy and financial gain over his responsibility as champion. In that sense, Jones is ducking the fight, not out of fear, but out of a calculated decision to control the narrative and maximize his value.
This doesn’t absolve Jones of criticism. As the heavyweight champion, he has an obligation to unify the belts, especially when Aspinall has done everything asked of him as interim champion. Jones’ actions are holding up the division and depriving Aspinall of his prime years, a fact that has rightfully drawn the ire of fans and media alike.
At the same time, the UFC bears some responsibility for this mess. Their decision to prioritize Jones vs. Miocic over Jones vs. Aspinall in 2024 set the stage for this delay, and their failure to force Jones’ hand—either through financial incentives or stripping the title—has allowed the saga to drag on. Aspinall, meanwhile, is the biggest victim in this scenario, stuck in limbo while Jones and the UFC play their games.
Conclusion
The Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall saga is a microcosm of everything that makes MMA both thrilling and frustrating. It’s a story of legacy, ambition, and power, with two fighters at the peak of their abilities caught in a web of politics and personal agendas. Whether Jones is ducking Aspinall or simply playing the long game, one thing is clear: the MMA world deserves to see this fight.
As fans, we can only hope that the UFC finds a way to make it happen before it’s too late. Until then, the debate will rage on, and Jon Jones will remain the most polarizing figure in the sport—a champion whose greatness is undeniable, but whose actions continue to divide.