Jon Jones was recently interviewed by Kyle Forgeard, a founding member of the NELK Boys, a group known for their YouTube channel and entertainment ventures. During this interview, Jones was questioned about what the UFC needed to arrange for him to fight Tom Aspinall. At that time, Jones was the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, while Aspinall held the interim heavyweight title. Despite this setup, Jones appeared uninterested in facing Aspinall, sparking frustration among fans.

When asked directly about the Aspinall fight during the interview, Jones unexpectedly stood up and walked out, ending the conversation. This unusual exit led to much speculation about his intentions and the sincerity of his response.

Michael Bisping Suggests Jon Jones’ Walkout Was Preplanned

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping weighed in on the incident during a vlog on his YouTube channel. Bisping expressed skepticism, suggesting the walkout was orchestrated rather than spontaneous. He theorized that Jones had coordinated with Kyle Forgeard beforehand, instructing him to ask the question so Jones could stage an exit. Bisping pointed out that nobody appeared surprised by the walkout, and the reaction seemed like deliberate acting.

“I don’t know what’s going on there, but I do have a theory. I think that whole thing was bulls**t. I think it was all bulls**t, I think [Jones] spoke to the NELK Boys, whatever his name is, that guy who was interviewing him. Kyle. And told him to ask [Jones] that and told [Forgeard] that he was going to walk off. ‘Cause no one looked surprised and the acting was very good.”

—Michael Bisping, Former UFC Middleweight Champion

UFC President Dana White Reveals Fight Was Finalized Before Jones’ Retirement

On June 21, Jon Jones shocked MMA fans worldwide with the announcement of his retirement. Leading up to this decision, Jones had shown little interest in unifying the heavyweight titles against Aspinall, which intensified calls for clarity regarding his future. Dana White, UFC CEO, recently disclosed that the anticipated fight between Jones and Aspinall had already been agreed upon before Jones stepped away.

In an interview with TheMacLife, White confirmed the bout’s status, emphasizing that the fight arrangements were complete long before Jones’ retirement declaration. White also defended Jones against accusations of avoiding opponents, stating the offer Jones received reflected his worth, but ultimately, the decision to not fight was Jones’ own to explain.

“The fight was done. We had the fight done a long time ago. Why he decided not to fight, you guys will have to ask him that… [Jones] was offered what he deserves for that fight…. I’ve said it a million times, I’ll say it again, [Jones] has never ducked anybody.”

—Dana White, UFC President

The Broader Implications of the Jon Jones Tom Aspinall Fight Controversy

The dispute surrounding Jon Jones and the Tom Aspinall fight spotlights ongoing tensions within the UFC heavyweight division, where two champions claimed top status. Jones’ reluctance or refusal to face Aspinall, alongside his sudden retirement, has left fans and analysts divided over the legitimacy of his actions. Speculation fueled by Michael Bisping’s theory adds another layer of complexity, suggesting behind-the-scenes strategies rather than genuine conflict.

Dana White’s revelation that the fight deal was secured prior to Jones stepping away indicates the UFC was prepared to deliver a much-anticipated unification bout, which could have significantly impacted the division and fan expectations. Moving forward, the unresolved questions about Jones’ motivation and physical readiness will continue to influence discussions about heavyweight title dynamics and promotional decisions within the sport.