Jon Jones' Future in UFC: Will He Fight Aspinall?
Colaboradores
The future of Jon Jones in the UFC heavyweight division is once again under intense scrutiny, with speculation swirling around whether he will ever face interim champion Tom Aspinall. Recent comments from Jones himself, as well as analysis from figures like Daniel Cormier and Din Thomas, have added fuel to the fire.
Jones' Ambivalence and Cormier's Call for Action
Jones' recent admission that he "could really care less about fighting" has raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the MMA community. Cormier, a former rival and fellow UFC champion, believes it's time for the UFC to strip Jones of his heavyweight title. He argues that Jones' reluctance to commit to a fight with Aspinall warrants moving on and allowing the division to progress.
"Ultimately, it’s time to strip him," Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. "He doesn’t want to fight this guy. It does not sound like he’s going to fight. It’s time to take the belt, it’s time to move on, and hope that itch he speaks about comes back."
Thomas' Marketing Ploy Theory
However, not everyone believes Jones' comments should be taken at face value. Din Thomas suggests that Jones' apparent ambivalence could be a clever marketing strategy to build anticipation for a potential fight with Aspinall. Thomas posits that the constant speculation and debate surrounding the matchup only serve to amplify its appeal.
"I think all this nonsense is just marketing," Thomas told MMA Junkie. "I think it's marketing to keep it out there, to make it even bigger. Every show I've done, we talked more about Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. We've talked about a fight that wasn't even signed more than fights that happened, and I think that was done purposely."
Aspinall's Impatience and Jones' Walkout
Tom Aspinall, who won the interim UFC heavyweight title in 2023, has expressed frustration with the situation. He even suggested that Jones has retired. Jones himself recently walked out of an interview when questioned about what it would take for him to fight Aspinall, deeming the question "wild".
What's Next for the Heavyweight Division?
The uncertainty surrounding Jones' future leaves the UFC heavyweight division in a state of limbo. Aspinall is eager to defend his interim title, but his opponent remains unclear. The UFC faces a difficult decision: either persuade Jones to commit to a unification bout or strip him of the title and allow the division to move forward.
- Will Jon Jones fight again?
- Will we see Jones vs Aspinall?
The saga continues, and MMA fans eagerly await the next chapter in this ongoing drama.