The UFC’s undisputed 265-pound champion is no longer Jon Jones, ending a storied career that included an undefeated record in 30 professional fights and recognition as a top pound-for-pound fighter. After months of delays surrounding a unification bout, Jones stepped aside, allowing interim champion Tom Aspinall to claim the title in early 2024. Despite widespread speculation that Jones avoided fighting Aspinall out of fear, Ilia Topuria insists that the former light heavyweight icon is simply ready to retire and not evading any opponents.

Tom Aspinall earned the undisputed heavyweight belt in November 2023 after a long interim reign and proved his legitimacy with a dominant first-round TKO victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester last July. Despite the growing calls for a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown, Jones never accepted the fight, fueling intense debate within the MMA community. Yet Topuria, a respected lightweight contender, rejects the idea that Jones is ducking the new champion, offering a different perspective on the GOAT’s reasons for stepping away.

Topuria Explains Why Jones Is Not Avoiding Aspinall

During an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” for ‘Uncrowned’ Combat, Ilia Topuria firmly denied that Jon Jones was avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall. He argued that Jones’s career accomplishments speak to his willingness to face the best fighters across divisions over the past decade.

“Not at all. You can’t even compare that situation, …[With Makhachev]…You can’t compare Jon Jones with Islam. Jon has done so many great things in the sport. He fought the best of the best in the last ten years. So, I don’t think he’s ducking anyone; He just wants to retire. He’s tired, maybe, of the game or whatever, and he wants to retire. I don’t think he’s ducking anyone because you can find a guy always that’s [will be], ‘He’s the next one to beat Jones’…”
—Ilia Topuria on “The Ariel Helwani Show” for ‘Uncrowned’ Combat

Topuria emphasized that while new contenders and rising stars like Aspinall might be challenging, Jones chose to retire not out of fear but due to fatigue from years competing at the highest level. A veteran of two weight classes and widely acknowledged as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, Jones’s decision comes after sustained dominance rather than avoidance.

Comparing Jones to Islam Makhachev: Different Situations, Different Motivations

Topuria also reflected on his own experience with Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion who recently moved up to welterweight. Contrary to perceptions that Makhachev dodged a fight with him, Topuria explained that the situation between Jones and Aspinall should not be confused with his own with Makhachev.

Topuria had sought a fight with Makhachev in the lightweight division, but the circumstances around weight classes and promotion decisions delayed that matchup. Makhachev’s transition to welterweight was a planned career move rather than an attempt to evade Topuria, who himself is now the main contender for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317.

“Not at all. No, you can’t even compare… I think he’s doing his things. I don’t think he’s ducking me, to be honest. I would be lying if I tell you [now]… that he’s ducking me — I think [Makhachev’s] tired of the weight cut…He wants a new challenge. He moved to the welterweight division. He feels and he thinks that he has a chance to become a double champion, and I think that this is all he’s trying to do…”
—Ilia Topuria further said on “The Ariel Helwani Show” for ‘Uncrowned’ Combat

Topuria reinforced the idea that fighters’ weight class changes often stem from personal or strategic motivations, not avoidance. He indicated that Makhachev’s pursuit of a welterweight title and relief from difficult weight cuts explain his decisions better than any “ducking” accusations.

Jones’s Legacy and His Reasons for Stepping Away from Competition

Jones’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, including a record-setting light heavyweight reign and a reputation as one of MMA’s greatest legends. He has faced and defeated multiple top-tier opponents, building a legacy few can match. His move away from UFC’s active roster and the gold at heavyweight signals a desire to preserve that legacy rather than risk it.

Topuria sympathizes with Jones’s fatigue and desire to retire gracefully, especially considering the physical and mental toll of fighting across divisions and the stresses of high-profile unification bouts. Jones’s reluctance to face Aspinall is, in this view, less about fear and more about choosing the right moment to step away from the sport on his own terms.

The Broader Implications for the UFC Heavyweight Division and Jones’s Impact

With Jones’s exit from the title picture, Tom Aspinall now has a clear path to establish himself as the undisputed heavyweight champion, following his impressive run and knockout performances. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Aspinall’s reign progresses without Jones as an active contender.

The debate around Jones’s retirement and Aspinall fight has stirred considerable tension and urgency within the MMA community, with some critics accusing Jones of dodging, while others respect his decision to prioritize longevity and health. Ilia Topuria’s defense adds nuance to this discussion, stressing respect for Jones’s contributions and understanding of his personal choices.

Looking forward, the UFC appears to be preparing for fresh rivalries and title challenges in both the heavyweight and lightweight divisions, as contenders like Aspinall and Topuria continue to rise. The sport remains in a state of transition, balancing legacy fighters’ retirements with the emergence of new stars eager to define the next era of competition.