A victory over Tom Aspinall would have been a huge cherry at the top for Jon Jones.
The legendary second division champion has had a better career than most, with a record of 28-1 (1 NC), 16 of those title fights wins. Jones, 37, announced his retirement in June and in turn avoided a title Unification fight with the Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall.
Jones was heavily criticized for 'diving' Aspinall, who was promoted to the new undisputed champion after almost 600 days. Jones plagued his comeback in the White House after President Donald Trump's idea to have a UFC event there, but it is still unclear whether he will ever fight against the Aspinall of England.
Although some claim that Jones does not have to risk his record against the younger Aspinall, others suggest that 'bones' Aspinall owes a title chance because he is the new generation. Michael Bisping said that UFC Hall from Famer Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua Jones gave his chance when he was 23 years old and that he should do the same against Aspinall at the age of 32.
No stranger to age openings, the oldest hunter on the Roster has said that if you are in the UFC, you can't be afraid to fight someone – especially if you're Jones.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Stephen Thompson found Jon Jones 'pension' disappointing, says Tom Aspinall Win 'Let you look even better'
On 42, two-time welterweight title finer Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson has been giving opportunities on rising contenders for almost a decade.
Thompson's last two fights were against the unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov and Joaquin Buckley and now the veteran will test a 17-1 Gabriel Bonfim on UFC Nashville this weekend.
A kind of gatekeeper in this phase of their career, Thompson was asked that Jones Aspinall did not give him the chance to fight him before retiring.
“It's quite disappointing,” Thompson told MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn.
'Because when I used to come the day, you earned your place.
“It didn't matter how popular you were, if you were ranked by number one or whatever, you just fought for the title and you didn't understand, you get someone who deserves that.
“You have just as many guys who are trying to hold, and you can't be the best you can be if you do, if you just hold it.
“You can't be afraid to give emerging boys a chance,” Thompson added.
“If you leave those guys, it looks even better.
“I don't care where you are ranked in the UFC. You are a stud. You are dangerous. Everyone, you can stand at the top, you can stand in the top five, the number one competition. You can stand at the very bottom of the totem post. You are a dangerous guy.”
Stephen Thompson is confronted with an age of 15 years in the next fight
The 42-year-old Thompson has been the older hunter in his last 15 fights.
Since a challenge for the title against Tyron Woodley in 2017, Thompson has removed several contenders from title conflicts. 'Wonderboy' has defeated the will of BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, Geoff Neal, Vicente Luque and Kevin Holland in recent years.
Thompson will compete on Saturday against a 27-year prospect in Gabriel Bonfim on UFC Nashville.
Since 2014, Thompson has not fought any more against anyone than he did. The last time Thompson did, it was Patrick Cote on the UFC 178 undercard, the same night Conor McGregor spread Dustin Poirier.