Despite their current differences, UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has always been a “hero” for Tom Aspinall.
One of the largest MMA topics in 2025 so far is the Titelsaga in heavyweight, a division that has had two champions that ruled it for 18 months.
Aspinall wants to fight Jones and unite the titles – that much is clear. The former light heavyweight champion, on the other hand, tried repeatedly about a confrontation with the Englishman.
Jones has been open in expressing an apparent aversion to Aspinall. But that feeling is apparently one -sided, where Aspinall keeps admiration for a man he has viewed for more than ten years.
In fact, the reigning interim title holder once indicated one of Jones' attributes in particular that he hopes to strive for.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Tom Aspinall once aimed for Jones-like level of trust
At the beginning of 2023, Jones Ciryl Gane defeated the empty heavyweight title in his long -awaited debut in the division.
Days earlier, Aspinall had assessed the upcoming arrival of Jones in his weight class in a column for the BBC.
The British fan favorite expressed admiration for 'Bones', which he went so far to burn his 'hero'.
With that in mind, Aspinall was not surprising to take the game of Jones, including his rare level of self -confidence.
“Jones is as free as he fights,” wrote Aspinall. “His fight IQ is much superior to everyone he has ever confronted.
“His self -confidence is outside the scale and that is what I try to achieve myself, to have the confidence where you just know that you are miles better than everyone else. That is what Jones has.”
Fast forward to 2025 and Aspinall has cut a frustrated figure. The interim champion continues to question Jones of their unification in interviews.
All the while Dana White has insisted that Jones vs. Aspinall will happen.
Jon Jones' newest update about fighting Tom Aspinall
Unfortunately for Aspinall and those who want to see the two UFC heavyweight kings meet in the cage, the newest update was not positive.
Jones recently appeared on social media to discuss his current position again.
Despite the promise of White to fans, it seems that Jones tends to retire.
“I don't know if I want to retire, I feel that I will always have the opportunity to stand out and show them. I have had a lot of breaks during my career, my identity outside fighting is well intact. I really enjoy life, I grow in different ways.”
I don't know if I want to retire, I feel that I will always have the opportunity to jump out and show them. I had many breaks during my career, my identity outside fighting is well intact. I really enjoy life, I grow in different ways. https://t.co/XUH1DIQVR1
– Jonny Meat (@JonnyBoes) May 21, 2025
View tweet
If Jones really chooses to leave the sport instead of fighting Aspinall, it is speculated that the Brit will fight against Gane for an undisputed status instead.