Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has make clear the extended delay in scheduling a title unification bout with Jon Jones. The British fighter, who claimed the interim belt with a decisive victory over Curtis Blaydes in July 2024, has been vocal about his want to face Jones and unify the heavyweight division however to no avail.
Why Haven’t We Seen Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall?
Aspinall’s frustration is palpable as he explains, on his YouTube, that the holdup seems to be on Jon Jones’ aspect. Regardless of repeated assurances from UFC officers that the struggle will ultimately happen, Aspinall means that Jones could also be hesitant as a consequence of monetary issues or different undisclosed causes. This standoff has left the heavyweight division in a state of uncertainty.
The interim champion has made it clear that he’s prepared and keen to step into the octagon at any time. Tom Aspinall’s eagerness to show himself in opposition to one of many sport’s best fighters is clear in his current statements. He emphasizes that his objective is to struggle for the undisputed title, to not defend the interim belt once more.
“I have spoken to the UFC on multiple occasions on this fight. I’m chasing it, I want the fight, I have been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying I want the fight. When is it happening? I want the fight more than anyone … What’s holding it up right now is [Jon Jones’] side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really wants the fight to happen. They’ve told me that. This is one of the biggest fights in MMA … The UFC tells me, they assure me that they are doing everything they can to make this fight. As far as I’m aware this is now totally down to Jon Jones.”
Because the MMA world watches and waits, the query stays: When will we see the UFC heavyweight division unified?
