At UFC Baku on June 21, 2025, Jon Jones once again sparked controversy despite not competing, as fans and experts debated whether he is avoiding a superfight against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The ongoing Jon Jones dodging Tom Aspinall superfight debate intensified amid mounting frustration over Jones’ inactivity, with many questioning his commitment to defending the heavyweight title.
The MMA community has grown restless as the anticipated unification match between Jones and Aspinall continues to stall, leaving the heavyweight division at a standstill. While Aspinall actively pursues the showdown, Jones has yet to accept the fight, drawing criticism from fans and professionals alike who have labeled him a ‘duck’ for evading the bout. The tension reached a peak during the UFC Baku prelim fights, when former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping openly mocked Jones’ reluctance to face Aspinall.
Michael Bisping Calls for Jon Jones to Fulfill Champion’s Duties
Michael Bisping criticized Jon Jones on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with holding a championship title. He stated,
If you are the champion, you have an obligation to the sport, to the fans, and to everyone else in the division. To honor and defend that title or to move on.
This direct message highlighted Bisping’s frustration with Jones’ lack of action amid increasing demands for the superfight.
The tension escalated during UFC Baku’s first prelim fight between Muhammad Usman and Hamdy Abdelwahab, when commentator Brendan Fitzgerald referenced Rashad Evans using a code phrase:
Rashad Evans using a code word ‘Jon Jones’. Let’s see what that move is for [Muhammad] Usman.
In response, Bisping shouted “Duck!”—a jab implying that Jones was avoiding the fight—but he quickly clarified it was meant as a joke, adding, It’s a joke, everyone, to ease the tension.
Commitment Deadline for Jon Jones from UFC President Dana White
The uncertainty over Jones accepting the Aspinall fight led UFC President Dana White to issue an ultimatum, giving Jones two weeks to respond before the organization would look for an alternative opponent for Aspinall. This move aimed to break the deadlock and push the heavyweight division forward, as the prolonged inactivity threatens the momentum of the belt unification.
Bisping Supports Tom Aspinall as the Future of Heavyweight MMA
Michael Bisping has firmly backed Tom Aspinall in the highly anticipated fight, praising him as the new standard-bearer for the heavyweight division. He expressed his admiration by saying,
I think Tom Aspinall is the new generation, he’s the new breed, and he will go down probably as the greatest mixed martial artist that we’ve ever had. He’s elite as a heavyweight. A lot of the heavyweights are very good, they’re very strong, they’re powerful, but they’re not as quick and as agile and as technical as Tom.
Bisping compared Aspinall to legendary fighter Georges St-Pierre, citing Aspinall’s versatility and knockout power as unmatched in the current heavyweight roster. However, he noted that Aspinall has yet to face a fighter like Jones, who has conquered several highly skilled and powerful opponents throughout his career. This contrast adds complexity to the superfight discussion, asking whether Aspinall’s young talent can overcome the experienced veteran.
Confidence in Aspinall’s Ability to End the Fight Quickly
Highlighting Tom Aspinall’s recent performance, Bisping underscored the Brit’s finishing prowess, pointing out that Aspinall’s last five victories ended in first-round knockouts. Of his 15 professional wins, 11 came from KO/TKO and four via submission. Convinced of Aspinall’s capability, Bisping said,
I would be very surprised – and this sounds disrespectful, but I’d be very surprised if it got out of the first round.
Bisping’s prediction revealed considerable faith in Aspinall’s quick and technical style, which contrasts with Jones’ methodical and tactical approach. The clash between these fighters symbolizes the battle between the established champion and the emergent new generation in heavyweights.
The Stakes and Future of the Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall Matchup
The unresolved nature of the Jon Jones dodging Tom Aspinall superfight debate continues to fuel anxiety among fans and professionals across the UFC community. Should Jones decline or delay, the organization risks losing momentum in the heavyweight division, potentially forcing Aspinall to find a new opponent to maintain his career trajectory.
With Dana White’s two-week ultimatum, the next steps remain crucial. If Jones accepts, the fight could redefine the landscape of heavyweight MMA, uniting the belts and pitting experience against rising talent. If he refuses, Aspinall may be compelled to move on, leaving Jones’s legacy and commitment under further scrutiny.
As this situation unfolds, the UFC heavyweight division remains on edge, with the superfight hanging in the balance and fans eagerly awaiting clarity on the future of its champions.