Jon Jones, the legendary UFC figure widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists, has recently retired after relinquishing the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Speculation continues around a potential Jon Jones retirement comeback fight against current champion Tom Aspinall, a matchup many fans and fighters have anticipated for some time.
Jones stepped away from the sport less than a month ago, ending a notable career that included a refusal to unify titles against Aspinall, who was elevated to interim champion status nearly 600 days earlier. Meanwhile, Aspinall has solidified his position by defending the interim title against Curtis Blaydes, while Jones opted for a separate path, competing against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November rather than facing Aspinall.
Leon Edwards Holds Hope for a Future Jones vs. Aspinall Bout
Leon Edwards, former UFC Welterweight Champion and fellow Brit, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Jones and Aspinall eventually sharing the octagon. Edwards noted the disappointment in not witnessing the matchup sooner but remains confident it will eventually take place.
“I’d love to see him and Jon Jones,”
Edwards told Sky Sports’ Joe Leigh.
He suggested financial motivations might have influenced Jones’ initial retirement decision but predicted a return nonetheless.
“I thought he was trying to get more money out of the UFC,”
Edwards added.
“I reckon he’ll come back, though,”
he continued.
“Let Tom go out there and compete. I reckon he’ll come back, definitely.”
Discussing who holds the advantage if the fight occurs, Edwards slightly favored Aspinall due to his heavyweight status.
“For me, Jon Jones is the goat…But heavyweight, I feel like you have to edge Tom, probably,”
Edwards remarked.
Daniel Cormier Views Jon Jones as the Favorite Against Aspinall Right Now
Daniel Cormier, one of Jones’ most prominent rivals and a respected former champion himself, has offered a contrasting perspective, believing Jones would currently defeat Aspinall. Cormier highlighted their age difference and experience in championship rounds as critical factors.
“Gun to my head, I would have said Jon Jones will beat him right now,”
Cormier said during The Pound 4 Pound Podcast.
Cormier explained that Aspinall’s lack of experience in late-stage fights could prove detrimental against a seasoned competitor like Jones. Notably, Aspinall has rarely extended past the first round in his UFC fights, with his longest bout lasting just over six minutes in the second round against former champion Andrei Arlovski.
Pointing to past fights where opponents struggled to maintain stamina against younger, less experienced fighters, Cormier emphasized the urgency to face Aspinall before he gains more endurance and championship-round experience.
“You needed to fight Tom now when he doesn’t have that experience. Especially as Jon Jones,”
Cormier stated.
Context Surrounding the Retirement and Title Situation
Jones announced his retirement shortly before turning 38, while Aspinall, at 32, is in the early prime of his heavyweight career. The UFC, led by CEO Dana White, reportedly attempted to negotiate a unification super-fight between Jones and Aspinall, but Jones was unwilling to compromise, leaving many to speculate on his reasons.
Aspinall’s rise included defending his interim championship against tough contenders, creating pressure on Jones to respond. However, Jones’ choice to fight Miocic instead of Aspinall left the heavyweight division without a clear unification showdown for nearly two years.
The British fighter has continued to enhance his reputation with decisive performances, while Jones’ absence has fueled ongoing debate about the possibility and timing of a comeback fight that could further define both their legacies.
Potential Impact of the Jones vs. Aspinall Fight
A clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall would captivate attention as a defining moment in heavyweight MMA. It would not only settle questions about Jones’ ability to return at the highest level but also test Aspinall against an icon known for dominance across multiple weight classes.
Such a fight could shift the heavyweight landscape significantly, influencing future title defenses and matchmaking strategies inside the UFC. Fans and insiders remain watchful of any developments pointing toward Jones’ return, recognizing the stakes involved in this potential showdown.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was found that Jones had tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are in Tadalafil, a medicine for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted to using.
Q. What did Jon Jones get positive for?
A. He was found to have Turinabol, a performance-enhancing drug, in his system. Because of this, Jones faced a temporary suspension. On September 13, USADA confirmed that both the initial and backup samples showed Turinabol in his tests.