Jon Jones, considered one of the greatest fighters, is facing criticism for expressing disinterest in fighting interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and instead preferring a more lucrative matchup against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, raising questions about his motivations and legacy.
Jon Jones might just be the GOAT in MMA, but he’s been catching some heat lately. Why? Well, he publicly stated he’s not interested in fighting interim UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall.
This all kicked off as Jones gears up to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Rumors are flying that one or both could retire post-fight. Jones hinted he might keep fighting, but only if a match with light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira is on the table. As for Aspinall? Jones doesn’t see the upside.
People are saying Jones is ducking Aspinall, who boasts an impressive 8-1 record in the UFC—all wins by knockout or submission in under two rounds.
“What does ‘ducking’ even mean?” Matt Brown pondered on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “Jon’s not scared, I don’t buy it. But is he avoiding a fight with Aspinall? Absolutely.”
“It’s the right fight to make,” Brown continued. “He wants a bigger bout with Pereira. Not very champion-like, but hey, that’s what everyone’s doing now—chasing big fights.”
In the game of risk versus reward, Brown gets why Jones would go for a more lucrative fight like Pereira. He’s become one of the UFC’s hottest stars.
On paper, Jones vs. Pereira sells more pay-per-views, meaning fatter paychecks all around.
“We’re prizefighters,” Brown noted. “We chase the biggest prize. Sadly for Aspinall, he’s not it. Is he deserving? Sure. But he’s not the biggest catch.”
The issue isn’t Jones chasing cash.
It’s him shutting down a fight with Aspinall—his own division’s interim champ—and eyeing a lighter opponent like Pereira instead. Not a great look.
“Mentioning future fights without including Aspinall was a misstep,” Brown critiqued. “UFC should’ve given him some PR coaching: focus on now, cross future bridges later.”
“But he crossed that bridge,” Brown added. “Now there’s criticism of ducking. It’s not flattering, but Jon doesn’t care; he just speaks his mind.”
Brown also dislikes how Jones dismisses Aspinall as just another contender compared to Pereira when considering his legacy.
Jones has already cemented himself as one of the sport’s legends; another bout with either won’t change much.
Yet Brown argues beating Aspinall could mean more long-term since he’d be facing another champion in his weight class. With Pereira, it’s different—a lethal striker but at a tactical disadvantage against grappling-savvy Jones.
“Legacy-wise, Aspinall’s the right choice,” Brown said. “He’s got the interim title; it adds to your legacy. Beating Pereira won’t shock anyone—it doesn’t elevate your status.”
“But take down Aspinall after Stipe?” Brown mused. “Now that’s legacy material.”
Despite any advantages over Pereira or Aspinall, Brown doesn’t think Jones is dodging anyone.
Still, by dismissing a title unification with Aspinall and preferring Pereira, Jones opened himself up to criticism.
“He’s not scared,” Brown reiterated about Jones. “He’d fight anyone and believes he’d beat Aspinall easily. But if you beat Stipe, facing Aspinall next is expected.”