Tom Aspinall is increasingly impatient with the ongoing delays in finalizing his highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Jon Jones.
Discussions for a unification bout between the interim champion and the undisputed titleholder have been ongoing since last November, aiming to set up a historic event.
Earlier this month, the prospect of the fight seemed to advance significantly when Jones reportedly reached an agreement with UFC management.
However, progress on scheduling the fight has apparently stalled, much to Aspinall’s annoyance.
Speaking to One on One MMA, Aspinall stated, “We need to determine who the true heavyweight champion is.”
He added, “If it’s not Jon Jones, then step aside. I will take the title, fight someone else, and be content.”
When questioned about his desired timeline for the unification fight, Aspinall responded, “ASAP [as soon as possible].”
Sources suggest that Dana White and UFC officials had tentatively planned Jones vs. Aspinall for UFC 317 on June 28th.
Aspinall has indicated his willingness to headline the promotion’s International Fight Week event against the former pound-for-pound king.
“I am in favor of it,” the 31-year-old remarked. “Any date works for me, and I have communicated my readiness to the UFC.”
MMA enthusiasts globally are eager to see Aspinall finally get his opportunity to face Jones this summer.
However, veteran reporter Ariel Helwani recently disclosed that Jones is requesting at least six months to prepare for his second defense of the heavyweight title.
During a recap of UFC 313, Helwani commented, “The window for a summer fight between Jones and Aspinall is closing.”
“I’ve been informed that Jon desires a six-month preparation period once the fight agreement is finalized.”
“Six months from now would be September, wouldn’t it?”
“While financial incentives can influence decisions, it appears that the possibility of a summer fight is diminishing slightly.”
Despite the ambiguity surrounding Jones vs. Aspinall, UFC president Dana White remains optimistic that the fight, which he believes could be the “biggest” in UFC history, will materialize.
In an interview on The Jim Rome Show, White stated, “The plan is for Aspinall to fight Jon this summer.”
“The specifics of when and where are still being worked out.”
“My aim this year is to make the Aspinall fight happen.”
Jones has not fought since defending his undisputed title with a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November.
Aspinall’s last fight was in July at UFC 304 in Manchester, where he secured a quick victory against Curtis Blaydes in their rematch.
