So far as interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is worried, Jon Jones is formally retired.
Aspinall (15-3), showing on ESPN’s “Good Man/Dangerous Man” on Monday, stated he is trying to transfer on from a possible unification bout towards Jones (28-1).
UFC CEO Dana White has referred to the potential matchup between Jones, the undisputed champ, and Aspinall as “the most important struggle in heavyweight historical past,” however Jones has been noncommittal on his curiosity and Aspinall, who has not fought since defending his interim title in July 2024, is clearly sick of ready round.
“These guys [Jon Jones’ camp] have been ready round too lengthy. The contenders are getting sick of it. Everyone’s getting sick of it. Even the followers are getting sick of these things. So, Jon’s retired and it is time that we transfer on.”
UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall
“Jon Jones is retired,” Aspinall stated. “I need to say God bless him shifting ahead in what he does together with his life and profession. We transfer on. I am the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I am able to tackle all comers and get this division shifting once more.
“These guys have been ready round too lengthy. The contenders are getting sick of it. Everyone’s getting sick of it. Even the followers are getting sick of these things. So, Jon’s retired and it is time that we transfer on.”
Aside from White beforehand expressing optimism, the UFC has not made any new feedback on the standing of the potential struggle. To Aspinall’s level concerning the division, virtually not one of the top-ranked heavyweights at the moment have a struggle booked.
“The opposite guys do not need to struggle anyone as a result of they could be subsequent themselves,” Aspinall stated. “Everyone else is scared to struggle. No one needs to make the following transfer. The division is totally caught. I’m sick of the division being caught. I am there. I am lively. I am getting higher on a regular basis. Simply stick me in. I am able to struggle all of them.”
Aspinall went on to say his subsequent transfer needs to be introduced “quickly,” along side the UFC.
Jones, 37, is extensively thought of to be the best fighter of all time. He moved up from the sunshine heavyweight division in March 2023 and gained the undisputed heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane. He has solely fought as soon as since claiming the belt, recording a TKO title protection towards Stipe Miocic in November.