It seems we may finally be approaching a resolution in the Jon Jones–Tom Aspinall saga.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) has shown little interest in facing interim titleholder Tom Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) in a unification bout since returning from a 12-month layoff late last year.
Although UFC President Dana White has repeatedly assured fans that the fight will happen sooner rather than later, Jones has consistently dismissed Aspinall as a potential opponent. During a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, White appeared to set a deadline for Jones, stating, “If we can’t get it done, we’ll move on quickly.”
That statement prompted “Bones” to address the issue on The Full Send Podcast on Wednesday, where he offered praise for Aspinall—while also reaffirming his decision to turn the fight down.
“I think he's awesome, man”, Jones said of Aspinall. “I think he's awesome. I think he should go on and have a wonderful career. I don't think he needs me. I think when you want something bad enough and if you get it, it could be the worst thing that could ever happen to you.
“I'm in a spot right now where I'm really enjoying the fruits of my labor, all the hard work I put in. He's just not in a position. He's not in a position to, like, excite me. It's just the truth. Because if I whoop his ass, it's going to be the next guy. There's going to be a whole new fan base of someone who everybody believes in. I've done this my whole adult life.
“I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting’s in my blood,” Jones said. “Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I’ve been doing it my whole life at a very high level and when the itch comes back — and if it comes back — then I’ll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities.
“But right now, I look around and realize what’s true, what’s real. I see the way people look at me and the way I make people feel and it’s an extraordinary thing. It’s a true blessing. Now my job is to serve that, give that to my fans, be reachable, touchable. Let them know what I have inside. That’s who I am right now. I’ve punched and kicked enough people.”
