England’s Tom Aspinall had been building toward a UFC heavyweight title clash with Jon Jones, but that matchup will not happen as Jones has decided to retire. While many might expect frustration from Aspinall, the UFC champion has expressed respect rather than resentment toward Jones, acknowledging his accomplished career with sincerity.
Jones, known foremost as the UFC light heavyweight champion, spent recent years holding the heavyweight belt, while Aspinall served as the interim heavyweight champion. Aspinall campaigned actively for a unification bout between them, hoping to settle who truly reigns supreme. However, Jones’s unexpected retirement closed the door on that long-anticipated fight.
Aspinall Praises Jon Jones’s Legendary UFC Tenure
Reflecting on Jones’s career during an interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Tom Aspinall praised his rival’s legacy with genuine admiration.
I think he’s had an amazing career, and I think he should enjoy the rest of his life,
Aspinall said.
If he truly feels like he’s done enough—which he keeps saying that he does—he will be at peace. He doesn’t need me or anyone else to tell him how good he’s done. He’ll know it himself. I hope that he’s enjoying his life, he’s enjoying his family, and that he’s celebrating his career, because it’s been amazing.
Tom Aspinall Plans an Active Year Following Jones’s Exit
With the prospect of a showdown with Jones off the table, Aspinall is focusing on advancing his own UFC career. He shared his intentions to stay busy by fighting multiple times over the coming months.
I’m going to be fighting hopefully twice this year,
Aspinall explained.
That’s my plan, at least. I think I’ve wasted enough time. We’re looking to get a fight booked quick and it’s looking like it’s going to be pretty soon, anyway. And then hopefully, if everything goes well in the first one, I’m uninjured — which is easier said than done getting through a fight with a guy my size and coming out with no injuries.
But if I can do that, I would like to fight at the end of the year as well. That’d be perfect.
Following years of waiting for the Jones title fight that never materialized, Aspinall’s pursuit of multiple fights this year demonstrates his desire to remain active and build his legacy in the UFC heavyweight division.
Looking Forward: What Aspinall’s Busy Fight Schedule Means for the UFC
Tom Aspinall’s commitment to competing twice this year signals an important phase in his career as he seeks to solidify his standing as a top heavyweight contender. The British fighter’s respectful farewell to Jon Jones highlights a professional maturity rarely seen in heated rivalries. As he books upcoming bouts, fans can expect Aspinall to be a prominent presence in the UFC landscape moving forward.
Whether Aspinall can capitalize on this momentum with strong performances remains to be seen, but his clear focus on activity suggests he is motivated to make the most of the opportunities ahead.