The Context
Jon Jones has been the talk of the UFC since he returned to the heavyweight division in 2023. After a long hiatus, he made an immediate impact by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to claim the heavyweight title. Many believed that Jones’ move to heavyweight would set up a dominant reign, but there’s always been speculation about who would challenge him next.
On the other hand, Tom Aspinall has been turning heads with his performances in the UFC. The British fighter has showcased incredible skill, power, and speed, dispatching opponents with ease. Aspinall has quickly become one of the top contenders in the division, and many believe he has the potential to dethrone Jones if given the chance.
Dana White’s Update
During a recent interview, Dana White spoke candidly about the potential matchup between Jones and Aspinall. His statement was both a bit hopeful and pragmatic:
“We’re still working on it. If we can get it done, we’ll get it done. If we don’t, we’ll move on.”
White made it clear that the fight was not off the table, but that the UFC was in no rush to make a deal if the timing or conditions weren’t right. In typical Dana White fashion, he’s always looking for the right moment to capitalize on the biggest fights, and if the logistics don’t fall into place, it might not happen anytime soon.
Why the Wait?
The UFC has always been strategic about the matchups it makes, especially when it comes to the biggest names in the sport. In the case of Jones vs. Aspinall, there are a few factors at play:
Jones’ Health and Timing: Jon Jones has not been a fighter to rush into fights, especially after the injury concerns that followed his move to heavyweight. White has mentioned in the past that Jones could be taking some time off before his next fight, as the heavyweight champion isn’t exactly eager to fight every few months.
Aspinall’s Rise: Aspinall’s path to the title shot has been nothing short of impressive. However, some believe he still needs to prove himself against top-tier competition before he’s ready for a fight with someone of Jones’ caliber. His knockout power and fast hands make him dangerous, but does he have the full skill set to challenge Jones?
The Business Side: Big-name fights like Jones vs. Aspinall need to generate massive pay-per-view numbers to be financially viable. This requires perfect timing in terms of marketing, location, and fighter readiness. It’s clear that White is cautious about pushing for a fight too soon if it’s not going to produce the kind of hype the UFC needs to make it worth their while.
What’s Next?
For now, the future of Jones vs. Aspinall remains uncertain. While both fighters have made their intentions clear, it seems like it’s more about timing than anything else. Jones is not actively calling for this fight, and Aspinall is likely focused on taking out other contenders who are closer to a title shot.
Dana White’s comment about “moving on” also hints that the UFC is prepared to pivot quickly. If a deal can’t be made, there are always other contenders ready to step in and challenge Jones. Whether that means a rematch with Stipe Miocic, a fight with Cyril Gane, or even a battle with someone like Sergei Pavlovich, the UFC is never short on potential showdowns.
For Aspinall, he’ll likely need one or two more marquee wins before he becomes the undisputed top contender. As exciting as the Jones fight is, it’s clear that the UFC will only make it when the time is right — for both the fighters and the business side of things.
Final Thoughts
While Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall would certainly be a massive fight for the UFC, Dana White’s words remind us that even the biggest potential matchups require the right timing and conditions. With Jones’ age, injury history, and overall career trajectory, and Aspinall’s rise through the ranks, it’s understandable that the UFC would tread carefully before making such a huge fight.
One thing’s for sure — if this fight happens, it’s going to be a blockbuster. And if it doesn’t? The UFC will find another fight to make, because in the end, there’s always another top contender waiting to challenge for the title.
