UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is preparing for a unification bout with Jon Jones, although the fight date is uncertain, and while Aspinall has agreed to the match, he awaits confirmation from Jones and the UFC.
Tom Aspinall, UFC interim heavyweight champ, is gearing up for a showdown with Jon Jones. When? That’s still up in the air.
Aspinall’s itching to face the reigning heavyweight kingpin, one of MMA’s GOATs. After enjoying a festive break with family, he’s announced on YouTube that it’s back to grind time.
“Time to snap back to reality and hit the gym for what’s arguably the biggest fight in MMA right now,” Aspinall shared.
Jones recently took down Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November — right in front of Aspinall, who was cage side. Jones has hinted at a bout with light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira but mentioned he’d only fight Aspinall if offered “f*ck you money.” Oh, and he’s teased retirement too.
Post-UFC Tampa in December, Dana White, UFC CEO, “100 percent” assured fans that Jones vs. Aspinall is set for 2025.
So what’s the status? People are curious about any updates from Aspinall.
“No new info on the Jones fight, sadly,” Aspinall admitted. “I’m just playing the waiting game. I’ve agreed to it; now it’s on them and the UFC to iron things out.”
Aspinall’s already defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July, finishing him off swiftly in round one. At 31, he remains optimistic about facing Jones and vows he’ll be prepared whenever it happens.
“Yeah, I’m just training hard and staying focused,” Aspinall said. “They might drop the date on me suddenly or give me six months’ notice — who knows? That’s just how it goes between fights; you never really know when your next one will be.”