An ex-UFC champion recently addressed the claims that Jon Jones avoided facing Tom Aspinall by retiring, stating that Jones’s decision was justified. The focus on Jon Jones retirement ducking accusations appeared after his unexpected exit from the sport.
Jon Jones, who was expected to compete in a highly anticipated title unification bout against Tom Aspinall, surprised fans by announcing his retirement on June 21. This announcement led to Aspinall being crowned the new UFC heavyweight champion.
Leon Edwards Reflects on Jones’s Career and Retirement Decision
During an interview with Carl Froch, former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards was asked if he thought Jones was dodging the fight against Aspinall through retirement. Edwards expressed respect for Jones’s legacy, emphasizing the fighter’s long-standing dominance.
“I believe that he’s the GOAT of mixed martial arts… Yeah, you can’t argue. And he’s been through [a] generation of fighters, fought many generations, and… if he wants to bow out as world champion, he’s done his part. So, fair play.”
—Leon Edwards, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Hypothetical Matchup: Leon Edwards Weighs Prime Jon Jones Against Tom Aspinall
Jon Jones has had an extensive career over 17 years, earning accolades such as becoming the youngest UFC champion at age 23 while defeating numerous elite fighters. When asked about a potential matchup between prime versions of Jones and Aspinall, Edwards confidently favored Jones.
“Prime? I’ll go, Jon Jones. Yeah, 100%. Like I said, I rate Jon Jones highly. I believe he is the best to ever do it. Tom Aspinall, he’s the guy now, you know what I mean?”
—Leon Edwards, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Edwards acknowledged Tom Aspinall’s position as one of the current top heavyweights, noting Aspinall’s impressive UFC record of 8-1 along with holding the promotion record for the shortest average fight time.
Jones’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division
Jon Jones’s retirement shifts the landscape of the heavyweight division, opening the door for new champions like Aspinall to establish themselves. Jones’s choice to step away while still holding the title has sparked debate, but prominent figures like Leon Edwards accept it as a fitting end to a historic career.
With Aspinall now the UFC heavyweight champion, the division is poised for fresh matchups and emerging rivalries as fans watch closely to see who will rise in the post-Jones era.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Why Jon Jones continued to compete after a positive drug test and what’s in store for him. In Las Vegas, famous MMA fighter Jon Jones was found with benzoylecgonine, a primary cocaine ingredient, in his system in December.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. In the hearing, it was disclosed that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, a medicine for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted using.