The rivalry between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight division continues to intensify as both fighters hold versions of the title. Aspinall secured interim championship status by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in late 2023, setting the stage for a unification bout that has yet to materialize due to Jones’ repeated reluctance to face him, often hinting at retirement instead. This ongoing tension fuels frustration among MMA fans eager to see the eventual showdown between the two champions.

Jones recently acknowledged Aspinall in a message tied to a seminar he held in Phuket, Thailand, where a significant portion of the attendees flew in from the UK. Jones sarcastically thanked Aspinall for the free promotion that helped expand his UK fanbase, highlighting the continuing verbal back-and-forth in their heavyweight rivalry.

Aspinall’s Playful Reminder Highlights Jones’ Avoidance

Following Jones’ remarks, Aspinall responded promptly in the comments, emphasizing his positive character despite the rivalry. He lightheartedly told Jones he is “not an a——” and expressed gladness at Jones’ apparent enjoyment of retirement. Aspinall’s cheeky reply also included a duck emoji, reinforcing his belief that Jones is avoiding or “ducking” the much-anticipated unification fight between them. This symbolic usage of a duck has become central to their exchanges, accentuating the tension surrounding the stalled matchup.

Using a Duck as a Symbol at UFC London Event

This wasn’t the first time Aspinall employed the duck symbol to taunt Jones. During UFC London in March, Aspinall was spotted holding a rubber duck while watching the event, clearly mocking Jones’ supposed avoidance of their fight. The gesture caught fans’ attention and added fuel to the ongoing banter.

Jones later addressed these ducking accusations directly during a livestream in early May. He dismissed the criticism with humor, stating that despite being called a duck, he was “living my absolute best life” and questioned whether living well truly qualifies as ducking a fight. His remarks suggested a calm stance amid the criticism, maintaining his distance from the unification bout for the time being.

This continuing saga between Jones and Aspinall remains a hot topic among MMA supporters, who are eager to see whether Jones will finally step up to unify the heavyweight titles or continue to avoid the confrontation. The rivalry, fuelled by subtle jabs and public trolling, highlights the stakes involved and the anticipation for a fight that could determine the undisputed heavyweight champion.