Jon Jones recently engaged in some lighthearted activity on social media at the expense of Tom Aspinall, yet it doesn`t appear a fight between the two champions is any closer to happening.
Earlier this week, Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, seemed to signal a shift in focus, wishing the official champion, Jones, well in his “retirement” and declaring himself the undisputed titleholder. This effectively suggested Aspinall was moving on from pursuing a fight with Jones. In response, “Bones” went on Twitter Thursday night, posting numerous tweets, answering questions from fans, and sharing his assessment of Aspinall`s fighting background.
Responding to a fan who referred to Aspinall as the champion, Jones wrote, “That’s awesome, you guys could use [a heavyweight champion].”
Giving his perspective on Aspinall, Jones remarked, “Unfortunately, my boy is not as special as his fan base thinks he is right now. I’ve seen Tom get [finished] twice now by two different people. Time will show. Here today gone tomorrow.”
When asked by a fan how he would defeat Aspinall, Jones humorously claimed he had already achieved this “by not even giving him the chance” to compete against him.
Following a layoff exceeding three years and vacating the light heavyweight title, Jones made his heavyweight debut in March 2023, securing the vacant championship with a rapid submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Jones subsequently encountered injuries that sidelined him for nearly two more years, but he reportedly returned at UFC 309 this past November, where he defeated Stipe Miocic by third-round knockout.
Aspinall became the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history since his knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023. The rising star from the U.K. successfully defended his interim belt by stopping Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds at UFC 304.
Jones continued tweeting about Aspinall and his own future in the sport. His posts suggest he is not in a rush to return to competition, against Aspinall or any other fighter, unless he is strategically using mind games with the audience.
Jones also added that he holds no “ill will” towards Aspinall and offered some advice to the interim titleholder.
Jones elaborated: “No, honestly, I wish Tommy no ill will. He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty. My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest. I really don’t hate on other fighters, I’m usually just responding to their envy.”
