UFC CEO Dana White is nearing the end of his patience regarding the much-anticipated Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall UFC fight deadline. Fans have eagerly awaited this heavyweight title unification bout for nearly two years, especially after Aspinall secured the interim title at UFC 295. However, Jones instead made his comeback against Stipe Miocic, claiming victory by TKO.
Discussions between Jones, Aspinall, and UFC officials have been ongoing since UFC 309 in November, but progress has stalled. Aspinall has shown more willingness to finalize the fight, while Jones has recently raised uncertainty by contemplating retirement, further complicating negotiations. White’s tolerance is fading as other top contenders express frustration over the unclear heavyweight title situation.
Dana White Issues Firm Timeline Amid Uncertainty Over Heavyweight Title Bout
Despite promising fans the Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall fight would happen, Dana White has shifted from a relaxed stance to setting a strict deadline. Aspinall revealed plans for a return fight with a confirmed date and location, either against Jones or another leading contender, increasing the urgency within the UFC leadership.
White gave his most definitive statement about the fight’s future during an interview on The Jim Rome Show. He declared a deadline and warned that if the fight cannot be finalized soon, the UFC would move forward without it. White commented,
We’ll see how this thing plays out over the next couple of weeks. If we can’t get this fight done, we’ll move on, quickly. We’ll have the answers in the next couple of weeks,
—Dana White, UFC CEO
White also acknowledged the challenges of working with Jones but noted the fighter’s willingness to take on all challengers, stating,
Jon Jones has been an interesting human being to deal with since the day he got here. But I’ll say this about him: I wouldn’t be out here calling him the GOAT if Jon Jones didn’t want to fight people. He’s never said ‘I don’t like this fight for me, I don’t want to fight this guy’. Not one time.
—Dana White, UFC CEO
As of this update, neither Jon Jones nor Tom Aspinall have publicly responded to White’s ultimatum. UFC 317, set for June 28 in Las Vegas, could be the event where the next heavyweight title fight announcement is made, possibly ahead of International Fight Week.
Tom Aspinall Becomes Longest-Reigning Interim Heavyweight Champion Amid Jones’s Hesitation
Tom Aspinall has held the interim heavyweight belt longer than any other fighter, reaching nearly two years since his knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich last November. He successfully defended the title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July of the previous year.
The ongoing delay in making the unification fight has attracted criticism from other fighters like UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who recently expressed frustration toward Jon Jones for stalling Aspinall’s career progression. Pantoja is scheduled to face Kai Kara-France at UFC 317.
Since shifting to the heavyweight division full-time in 2020, Jones has only fought twice, including a vacant title victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He previously vacated the light heavyweight championship following his win against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.
Implications of the Standoff for UFC’s Heavyweight Division
Dana White’s announcement marks a critical turning point for the UFC’s heavyweight division, where prolonged indecision has raised concerns among fighters and fans alike. If the Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall UFC fight deadline passes without resolution, the organization will likely pivot toward other contenders to maintain momentum in the heavyweight title scene.
The outcome of these negotiations not only affects the legacies of Jones and Aspinall but also influences the UFC’s event scheduling and marketing strategy, especially with UFC 317 and International Fight Week approaching. Fans and stakeholders await further news as the UFC seeks to clarify its heavyweight championship landscape.