When Jon Jones was asked about his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, it wasn’t just the matchup that raised eyebrows—it was his outright dismissal of the interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. In a recent interview, Jones made it clear that, after defeating Miocic, he has no interest in facing Aspinall, claiming the rising star is a “nobody” and hasn’t done anything to earn a title shot.

But let’s break this down: Is Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall, or is he simply being strategic about his legacy? In truth, this statement is not just confusing—it’s ridiculous.

Jones’ Dismissal of Aspinall: A Huge Miss

Tom Aspinall is currently the interim heavyweight champion, having absolutely dominated some of the toughest heavyweights in the UFC. Aspinall is undefeated in his last six fights, with his most recent victories coming in dominant first-round finishes over top-10 contenders like Sergey Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, and Curtis Blaydes. He’s making history with his speed, technique, and power, and is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous fighters in the heavyweight division.

To call him a “nobody” is an insult to everything Aspinall has achieved. The British heavyweight has not only beaten top contenders, but he’s done it in record time. His knockout of Sergey Spivak and his submission of Curtis Blaydes are just a few examples of how he’s cleared out the competition. No other heavyweight has made such an impact with the same speed and precision, and no one has risen through the ranks with such a complete skill set.

Jon Jones and Legacy Fights: Why Stipe?

So, why is Jones choosing to fight Stipe Miocic, a 42-year-old legend who hasn’t fought in three years and is coming off a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou? Jones has repeatedly said that he’s looking for “legacy” fights, something that will cement his status as the greatest of all time. But let’s be real here: Stipe, at this point in his career, is not the same fighter he was during his prime.

While Stipe is a legend and undeniably one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, he’s no longer in his prime. He’s coming off a long layoff and has hinted at retirement after this fight, which only makes it feel like more of a money grab than an actual competitive challenge. Stipe’s inactivity and age are legitimate concerns, and there’s no question that most fans—myself included—don’t believe Miocic can pull off an upset at this stage of his career.

Aspinall is the True Challenge

Let’s not beat around the bush—Tom Aspinall is the real test for Jon Jones at heavyweight. He’s the one guy in the division who has the potential to give Jones a run for his money. Aspinall has everything—speed, power, wrestling, and striking—making him one of the most dangerous opponents Jones could face in his entire career. His ability to move like a middleweight despite being a heavyweight is a huge asset, and he has already proven his skill set by dispatching multiple top-tier opponents in a matter of minutes.

Jones may be looking for legacy fights, but a fight against Aspinall would do far more for his legacy than beating an older, inactive Stipe Miocic. Aspinall is the future of the division, and beating him would solidify Jon Jones as the undisputed greatest of all time. Sure, Jones has been dominant in the light heavyweight division, but moving up to heavyweight and defending against the best of the next generation—not the past generation—is where his true legacy will be forged.

Is Jones Ducking Aspinall?

The fact that Jon Jones is actively avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall raises some serious questions. After all, there is no one else in the heavyweight division that can challenge Jones the way Aspinall can. By choosing to fight Stipe instead of a more dangerous, younger contender like Aspinall, Jones is sending a clear message: He’s more interested in fighting for legacy than facing a real threat.

But here’s the thing: Legacy doesn’t come from beating someone who’s past their prime. Legacy comes from defeating the best—and right now, that man is Tom Aspinall. To say that Aspinall has done nothing to deserve a title shot is not just wrong—it’s insulting. Aspinall has already proven himself, and he’s earned the right to face Jon Jones for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

What’s Next for Aspinall?

While Jon Jones is busy chasing legacy fights with Stipe, the question must be asked: What does Tom Aspinall need to do to get his shot? Aspinall has beaten nearly everyone in the top 10, and with a string of dominant performances, he’s cleaned out much of the division already. If anything, it’s Jones who is holding up the division, choosing to fight an aging Miocic instead of defending against the interim champion.

It’s not just about the title—it’s about what’s right for the sport. We’re witnessing a fighter in Tom Aspinall who has the potential to become one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Yet, he’s being kept on the shelf while an aging Miocic gets a shot for the title. This is a slap in the face to the entire division and a serious mistake on Jon Jones’ part.

The UFC Heavyweight Division: A Messed-Up Title Picture

The heavyweight division is in a strange place. We have an interim champion who has beaten five top-10 heavyweights, yet he’s being overlooked for a fight against the undisputed champion. Meanwhile, we have a legend in Stipe Miocic who has been inactive for three years and is looking to retire soon. It’s a mess—and the fans are starting to notice.

If Jon Jones wants to truly claim to be the greatest of all time, he needs to step up and fight the best of today, not just the names of yesterday. The fight that makes the most sense right now is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall—not Jones vs. Stipe.

Conclusion: Time for Jones to Face Aspinall

Jon Jones is one of the most skilled fighters to ever step into the octagon, and he has already achieved so much in his career. But at this point, facing Tom Aspinall would be the true test of his greatness. It’s not just about legacy—it’s about honor, and Jones has a responsibility to give the fans the fight they want to see. Aspinall has earned his shot, and if Jones really wants to prove himself as the greatest heavyweight of all time, he needs to step into the octagon with the man who is shaping up to be the future of the division.

The time has come for Jon Jones to stop dodging Tom Aspinall and give him the title shot he rightfully deserves. If he doesn’t, fans will have every right to call him out for ducking the most dangerous heavyweight on the planet today.