Jon Jones, the reigning Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the UFC, has always been a polarizing figure in MMA. Not just for his incredible talent and record-breaking career, but also for his comments that often leave fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Recently, Jones sparked controversy when he stated that he would not fight Tom Aspinall if he beats Stipe Miocic in their highly anticipated bout. Instead, Jones is calling for a showdown with former middleweight champion Alex Pereira.

The Big Question: Why Is Jones Dodging Aspinall?
Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in what many consider the biggest fight of 2024. But while fans are salivating at the thought of Jones vs. Aspinall—two of the top heavyweights in the world—Jon Jones has thrown a serious curveball. In a recent interview with journalist Kevin Iole, Jones was asked about the possibility of fighting Tom Aspinall after he beats Miocic, and his response left many fans stunned.

According to Jones, Aspinall doesn’t deserve a shot at the undisputed title, stating that the Englishman hasn’t proven himself enough to face him.

“I don’t want to say Aspinall is a nobody, but he hasn’t done anything that warrants a fight with me. He won his interim belt against Sergey Spivak, who just got slaughtered by someone else. I’m not here to gamble with someone making a name off me,” Jones said.

Instead of focusing on Aspinall, Jones made it clear that he wants to face Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion who recently made his move to light heavyweight. According to Jones, a fight with Pereira would be more meaningful for his legacy.

“I want to fight guys who will enhance my legacy. Pereira is one of those guys. He’s a champion in two weight classes. We’re both 37 years old, and I think that fight would go much farther on my legacy than a young man who’s cool today and maybe gone tomorrow,” said Jones.

Jon Jones’ Legacy: Is He Avoiding a Real Threat?
Jon Jones is no stranger to controversy. His career has been filled with highs and lows, but one thing is for sure—he has been dominant for a long time. From his historic 16-title defenses at light heavyweight to his move up to heavyweight and the massive win over Ciryl Gane, Jones has proven time and again that he is among the best to ever step foot in the octagon.

That said, many fans and analysts are questioning whether Jon Jones is avoiding a real threat in Tom Aspinall by calling out Alex Pereira instead. Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, has been a rising star in the UFC, with impressive wins and a style that many believe could challenge Jones’ dominance. His skills are dangerous, and his potential to dethrone Jones is something fans have been buzzing about.

If Jones refuses to fight the interim heavyweight champion after his bout with Miocic, it raises serious questions about his legacy. Jon Jones is known for competing against the best in the world, but not taking on the interim champion when the opportunity arises would certainly tarnish his reputation. It’s one thing to call out a fighter for a legacy-defining match, but it’s another to turn down a fight against a legitimate contender who’s already earned his shot.

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira: Is It Really About Legacy?
Jon’s callout of Alex Pereira is undoubtedly intriguing. Pereira is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC right now, and his rise through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. The Brazilian striker, who once held the middleweight title, is now looking to make waves in the light heavyweight division after an impressive knockout of Jan Błachowicz.

But the question remains: Is this really about legacy, or is Jones just trying to avoid a difficult fight against an undefeated, hungry contender like Tom Aspinall?

Many fans argue that a fight between Jones and Pereira would be an incredible spectacle, but it’s difficult to ignore the fact that Pereira has not yet competed in the heavyweight division, while Aspinall is the interim champion and has already proven himself at this weight class. For Jones to suggest that Pereira would offer a more meaningful challenge feels like a bit of a cop-out, especially when you consider that Aspinall is the logical next opponent.

The Reality of the Situation: What Happens Next?
The bottom line is that Jon Jones is in a tricky spot. He has been dominant in the UFC, but his comments and refusal to fight Tom Aspinall raise questions. If Jones beats Miocic and then avoids a fight with Aspinall, he risks tarnishing his legacy. Fans will remember the man who chose not to face the rising star in the division when the fight was there for the taking.

It’s also important to remember that Aspinall was the interim heavyweight champion for a reason—he was placed in that role due to the UFC’s need for a top contender during a time when Ngannou was no longer in the picture. Aspinall’s rise to the top has been impressive, and for Jones to dismiss him as unworthy of a title shot is a bold, risky statement.

But at the same time, Jon Jones is a fighter who thrives on legacy. His career has always been about fighting the toughest and most dangerous opponents available. While his desire to face Pereira may be rooted in wanting a legacy-defining match, turning down the fight with Aspinall might be a sign that Jones is looking for an easier route to further solidify his place in history.

The Fans’ Perspective: What Do We Want?
For fans, there’s no question: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is the fight we all want to see. It’s a true clash of styles, a battle between the best fighter of this generation and a hungry, undefeated challenger who is eager to make his mark. While Pereira might be a huge fight for Jones, it’s hard to argue that Aspinall’s challenge is more pressing. Jones vs. Aspinall would be the fight that truly determines who reigns supreme in the UFC heavyweight division.

Ultimately, the UFC is built on the idea of matchups between champions and challengers, and Jones refusing to face Aspinall risks throwing off the natural order of things. If Jones truly wants to be remembered as the greatest of all time, he needs to take on the best available opponents—and that means facing Tom Aspinall.

Conclusion: Jon Jones Faces a Legacy Defining Decision
Jon Jones has accomplished incredible things in his career, and there’s no denying his greatness. But now, as the undisputed heavyweight champion, he faces a critical decision that could shape the rest of his career: will he fight Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, after his bout with Miocic? Or will he continue to chase legacy-defining fights with Alex Pereira, despite the fact that the fans are clamoring for the heavyweight showdown?

If Jon Jones dodges Aspinall, it will raise serious questions about his commitment to legacy and fairness in the sport. He has built a reputation as one of the greatest, but the next few months could determine whether he cements that legacy or becomes a fighter who avoided a true challenge when it mattered most. The pressure is on, and fans are watching closely.

What do you think? Should Jon Jones face Tom Aspinall, or is Pereira the right challenge for him next?