UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been in the limelight more for his title unification ambitions than for his bouts this year. Despite his continued calls for an undisputed title shot with UFC boss Dana White, there has been no movement toward securing a fight against the division king, Jon Jones. Since then, Brit’s repeated attempts to set up a clash with ‘Bones’ have gone in vain.

Jon Jones further dampened Tom Aspinall’s aspirations when he hinted at retirement, leaving ‘Honey Badger’ and many in the MMA community frustrated. Some fans have accused the champion of being afraid of the undefeated Aspinall, accusing him of “ducking.” This development has split the fight world into two factions: those who regard ‘Bones’s’ decades-long career as legendary, claiming he has nothing left to prove, and those who insist he should take one final fight against the 31-year-old  Tom Aspinall.

Jon Anik, who aligns with the first camp, recently defended Jon Jones’s retirement plans during an appearance on “Kevin Iole.” Anik stated, “If Jon Jones doesn’t fight Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira after beating Stipe Miocic, people shouldn’t judge him. He doesn’t need to go out on a high note; he’s the GOAT.” For Tom Aspinall, fighting and defeating Jones is not just about title unification; it could help him usher in a new era in the heavyweight division by taking down a formidable two-weight division champion instead of fighting someone else for the vacated title.

However, despite Dana White ignoring the calls from Tom Aspinall, he is not entirely stone-hearted. He has provided an opportunity for the interim champion as a reserve fighter for the upcoming UFC 309 heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, where Aspinall will gear up to confront whoever walks out of the Octagon with the belt on their shoulder.

Tom Aspinall’s commitment as the “backup” for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Earlier in August, when Tom Aspinall received the news that he would be the backup fighter for the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, he saw it as an opportunity to face ‘Bones’, even if it was just a slight chance. ‘Honey Badger’ didn’t want to waste this opportunity, particularly given that Stipe Miocic, a two-time heavyweight kingpin, and his involvement is considered the “icing on the cake.” Aspinall is eager for the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden on November 16 for its annual event.

For Tom Aspinall, the situation is precarious—unless either Stipe Miocic or Jon Jones gets injured, his chance to ‘crash the party’ remains uncertain. The Brit has been gearing up for this possibility, and in a YouTube video from a couple of months ago, where he vowed to take on anyone, whether it’s ‘Bones’ or Miocic, he stated, “I have told the UFC that if anybody gets injured or for any other reason someone cannot make it to that fight, I’m ready to go. If I need to, I’ll fight both of them on the same night, no problem.”

What’s your take on Jon Anik’s claims? Do you think Jon Jones has nothing left to prove against Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira, considering his accomplishments have secured his legacy for future generations? Drop your opinion below.