UFC Heavyweight Champion Jones has been examined intensively because of his avoidance of Tom Aspinall.
Many call on that matchup since Jones defeated Stipe Miocic on UFC 309 last November. That result remains his only heavyweight title defense in the 27 months that he has held it.
For a large part of the Jones government, another champion existed after Aspinall Sergei Pavlovich had eliminated to win the Interim Riem at the end of 2023. Although that came about due to an injury to the title holder and would usually result in a union fight, 'Bones' has publicly rejected those phone calls.
It is sufficient to say, that is the fan base left behind, many of Jones' UFC colleagues and the interim champion less than satisfied. Some have even shown their displeasure by signing a viral petition in which is called to be Dana White to strip Jones.
But despite intense criticism and pressure to continue the division, Jones will not admit.
Jon Jones rejects Tom Aspinall, but will not say that he is 'retired'
During a recent appearance on the entire podcast, Jones again addressed his future.
His comments were disappointing for those who soon wanted to see the resident of Rochester return to action – and for Aspinall.
While the champion paused his hostility towards the British to praise him briefly, he still repeated a complete lack of interest in sharing the cage with him.
“I think he is great, man,” Jones said. “I think he should continue and have a great career.
“He is unable to excite me. If I grab his A -it will be a whole new fan base of someone that everyone believes in. I have done this all my adult life.”
But despite the fact that they united the titles against Aspinall, Jones will still not stop his gloves.
“I don't want to say I'm retired,” Jones said. “(But) at the moment I can really give it less to fight.
“When the itch comes back, when it comes back, I will do it with my whole heart.”
Dana White's Deadline for getting Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall booked
Jones's comments only come a few days after White suggested that the heavyweight Saga will finally end quickly enough.
In a recent performance on the Jim Rome show, the UFC CEO revealed its deadline for securing the Jones vs. Aspinall fight.
“We will see how this thing is going on in the coming weeks. If we can't do this fight, we will soon continue. We will have the answers in the coming weeks,” said White.
“Jon Jones has been an interesting person to deal with since the day he arrived here. But I will say this about him: I would not be here to call him the goat if Jon Jones did not want to fight people. He never said:” I don't like this fight for me, I don't want to fight this guy “.
Fans will now wait for the conclusion of White's last attempt to withdraw Jones to the Octagon for one of the largest matchups that can currently be made.
And if 'bones' do not change the course, Aspinall will have to set his sights on a heavyweight competition in a likely shot on the empty heavyweight belt.