UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has stirred considerable excitement among fans by revealing that he and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall have reached an agreement regarding their potential fight.
Since November of last year, the two prominent heavyweights, aged 37 and 32 respectively, have been on a collision course for a highly significant title unification bout.
However, despite Jones` demands for substantial financial compensation reportedly being met by the UFC, this eagerly awaited matchup has yet to be scheduled.
In recent weeks, the former pound-for-pound king has kept the MMA world guessing about his next move, openly contemplating retirement at times.
Last month, the Hall of Famer asserted that UFC management is fully aware of his plans and insisted he is not intentionally delaying or obstructing Aspinall`s career progression.
Speaking at a recent seminar held in Phuket, Thailand, Jones claimed that he and Aspinall have mutually agreed to withhold any specific details about their proposed fight or the future landscape of the division until the UFC makes its official announcements.
In a video shared from the seminar, a fan directly asked Jones about the anticipated matchup: “When are you fighting Tom?”
The former longtime light-heavyweight champion responded:
“I was waiting for that question. The UFC, myself, and Tom have many things happening behind the scenes. They are one of the largest sports organizations. Currently, Tom and I have agreed to wait for the UFC to make their announcements, so legally, I cannot really discuss it.”
Jones` remarks immediately sparked a lively discussion among UFC fans, with reactions ranging from excitement to skepticism.
Some fans interpreted the comments positively, with one exclaiming:
“Holy s**t! I told all of you.”
Another commenter confidently stated:
“It`s happening.”
Conversely, others expressed doubt, with one fan posting:
“Wait for the UFC to make the announcement… of his retirement! Will not believe it till I see it, thanks.”
One enthusiast shared their anticipation:
“Can`t wait for Jones to beat Aspinall`s ass and end this.”
Another offered a prediction about Jones` potential announcement:
“Going to announce he`s taking a break and vacating belt.”
These comments from Jones follow closely on the heels of a recent interview where he admitted to still being undecided about his future in professional fighting.
During an appearance on the `Deepcut with VicBlends` podcast, he shared his perspective:
“I don`t know what life holds as far as fighting and competing. I do feel like I`ll be a lifelong martial artist whether I`m coaching others or taking exhibition matches and things like that. There`s a lot of great competition still in the UFC. I do view myself as more than a fighter. Being in my position, I feel like I have a lot more options than a lot of the other fighters as far as the ability to leave and return. And so right now I`m just focusing on love, happiness, kindness. We`re at the quarter-century mark, and this year should be a really special year.”
Jones has not stepped into the octagon since his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title in November of last year.
Meanwhile, British contender Aspinall has been sidelined from competition since his swift 60-second knockout win against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.
