Jon Jones might be eyeing a return to the UFC cage, but according to a former training partner, this comeback depends on a rising heavyweight contender establishing himself through several victories. The focus is on Tom Aspinall, whose performance in upcoming fights may determine if Jones sees a reason to reenter competition.

Keith Jardine, who once trained alongside Jones at JacksonWink, shared his insights during an episode of Bowks Talking Bouts. Jardine reflected on his experience sparring with Jones prior to Jones’ bout against Stipe Miocic, revealing both his respect for Jones’ skill and his thoughts about what it would take to pull Jones back into active fighting.

Keith Jardine Reflects on Sparring with Jon Jones and His Technical Ability

During the discussion, Jardine praised Jones’ fighting intellect and recounted how sparring with Jones was both a challenge and an enjoyable experience. He mentioned:

“Yeah, I think Jon’s a genius when it comes to fighting. Honestly, I really do mean that. Yeah, I did some rounds with him. He made me do some rounds with him for one of the times he was fighting Stipe [Miocic] and it was actually fun.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

Jardine also shared how his time around Jones and his subsequent work with boxing legend Danny Romero helped him improve his own boxing skills significantly. This was a transformation compared to his previous fighting style:

“It was actually really cool because I actually learned how to box really well after I was done fighting. I worked with Danny Romero, a famous boxer … Actually I got really good at boxing. Something I never really did while I was fighting.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

“I learned how to actually be a real professional boxer. Like I’ve had some professional boxing fights too, but like I’m talking about Danny Romero level. Yeah, man, I was going into Jackson[Wink]. I was dusting people up like people that were; and they were actually telling me I should come back and fight.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

However, Jardine acknowledged the challenge of balancing a fighting career with outside interests, particularly Hollywood opportunities, which made coming back to MMA a complex decision for him personally:

“But I knew it was a difficult thing to conquer this Hollywood world and it would be easy for me to go back. Win some money fighting and make a paycheque that way. But then where would I be in this Hollywood world? But then back to Jon Jones, I think he’s genius, man.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

He praised Jones as one of the greatest of all time (GOAT), emphasizing Jones’ undefeated status in light heavyweight and how tough it is to be constantly challenged by hungry newcomers eager to build their careers by defeating him:

“Because he was at light heavyweight and he’s the GOAT. He’s never lost, all these things, and he’s fighting these up-and-comers. It’s hard to fight somebody that’s trying to make a name off of you and you have no idea who they are. Especially in the sport of MMA when these up and coming guys are hungry, man.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

Understanding Jon Jones’ Mental Approach and What May Trigger His Return

Jardine delved deeper into the mindset Jon Jones carries when entering fights, especially against younger opponents. He explained how the emotional drive, or lack thereof, affects Jones’ willingness to risk everything for a fight:

“They [up and coming fighters] got the dog in them and you’re just trying to maintain your position. You don’t have the dog in you and you’re not super; like you don’t even care about this guy you’re fighting. It’s just for the point of fighting. You can make up some beef but like he had real beef against [Daniel] Cormier.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

Jardine highlighted Jones’ prior rivalry with Daniel Cormier as the kind of personal motivation that pushes him to fight with passion and intensity. That same drive, Jardine said, played a role when Jones stepped up to heavyweight:

“He had no trouble [laughs] getting up against him and some of these other things. So what did he do? He went to heavyweight. Why? Because it’s scary. I got to fight Stipe, people that are calling him the GOAT, and that’s scary. It’ll make me train hard. I’m going to go do this.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

Jardine noted that after competing against major names like Stipe Miocic and preparing to face Francis Ngannou, Jones’ passion for fighting remains critical to his decision-making:

“Then he fought another fight and he was going to fight the guy that left, the guy that was so good and all that [Francis Ngannou]. Now it’s like if he’s not passionate about fighting a guy, if he’s just going to do it for the thing then why would he risk everything he’s done for just that fight? Like without having that passion for it?” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

Jardine speculated that Jones is currently waiting for Tom Aspinall to achieve multiple wins at heavyweight and build a reputation worthy of challenging Jones once again:

“So, I think; I haven’t talked to Jon in a long time. I have no idea what he’s doing, but I think he’s waiting till [Tom] Aspinall wins a few fights and becomes more of a known quantity at heavyweight. Where he’s like he’s the best of this era and all that.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

There could be a potential fight between Jones and Aspinall if Aspinall establishes himself sufficiently. Only then would Jones have the motivation to return, because:

“Maybe he’ll come back then and fight him because now he’ll have something to prove by fighting him. Now, if he beats him, what? Like it’ll be just what? Like, oh, he won another fight. Who’s the next guy? There’s nothing really in it for him.” —Keith Jardine, Former UFC Fighter

What Jon Jones’ Possible Return Could Mean for UFC’s Heavyweight Division

Jones’ potential UFC comeback would shake up the heavyweight division, especially with fighters like Tom Aspinall gradually climbing the ranks. A win streak by Aspinall could create a compelling narrative that motivates Jones, who has dominated the light heavyweight class and now seeks fresh challenges. The uncertainty over whether Jones will return is maintaining tension among fans and fighters alike.

The increased attention on Aspinall as a gatekeeper for Jones also raises the stakes within the division, where hungry prospects continue to emerge. Jones’ reluctance to engage without strong motivation affirms that only meaningful contests will bring him back under the spotlight.

As the UFC prepares for major events, the possibility of a Jones-Aspinall fight adds excitement and anticipation, potentially resulting in significant shifts in the sport’s landscape once Jones decides to step back into the cage.