Jon Jones, widely considered one of the best fighters in MMA history, sparked controversy by openly rejecting a possible unification match against the current interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Instead, he has opted to go against Alex ‘Poatan’ Periera, in case he decides not to retire. This has led fans to rally against the fighter and call him out for ducking the fight. However, despite the criticism, UFC veteran Matt Brown has backed Jones, underscoring that his move is strategic rather than a result of fear.

Brown challenged the idea of ‘Bones’ ‘ducking’ Tom Aspinall, viewing this as a calculated career move focusing on the UFC heavyweight champion’s legacy, especially at this late stage in his career. He said, “I guess you kind of have to define what ‘ducking’ is, right? Jon’s not scared. I don’t believe that for a second. Is he playing the game and choosing not to fight Tom Aspinall? Absolutely. It’s the proper fight to make.”

As per Brown, ‘Bones’ is eyeing a possibly more major fight with the light heavyweight champion. This strategy goes hand in hand with the current trend of other fighters wanting fights to improve their legacy. “They’re all wanting to fight the big fights. Sean O’Malley wanted to fight [Ilia Topuria]. That’s what every champion is doing now.” According to Brown, it’s unfair to single out Jones when many champions in the UFC are seeking the same high-profile opportunities.

However, the UFC legend feels the heavyweight champion should go one-on-one against the Brion. Jones’s announcement of a non-title fight against the interim champion, even if he didn’t want the fight, has drawn criticism, as it seems like a mistake.

Brown said, “Jon should’ve said what Stipe said. The fact that he brought up that he is going to fight again, and it’s not going to be the current interim champion, that’s a mistake on his part. UFC should have sent a PR trainer out there to him or something. ‘How about we don’t talk about the future and focus on what we’re doing now?’ We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.’”

As ‘Bones’ prepares for his UFC 309 main event against Stipe Miocic, the major question is looming in fans’ minds: whether the UFC heavyweight champion will retire or not? And even if he doesn’t, it is sure by now they truly want him to fight Tom Aspinall rather than Alex Pereira. Especially after the Englishman constantly called out the heavyweight champion for a fight.

But even he has been silent for a while. So, why did Aspinall stop calling out Jon Jones?

The reason behind Tom Aspinall going silent on Jon Jones

Well, to be fair, it seems like Tom Aspinall appears to have accepted a bout with Jon Jones, now unlikely to happen after all the latest developments in the UFC. He understands that his prospects of facing the undisputed champion are currently limited. Even though Dana White has stated he strongly believes the winner of Jones vs. Miocic would face Aspinall next, this now appears to be wishful thinking rather than a real possibility at this point.

If Miocic defeats Jones at Madison Square Garden, he may be willing to fight Aspinall, but Jones has expressed no desire to go one-on-one against Miocic. However, it’s the complete opposite for him when it comes to the real interest of the current heavyweight champion, who has completely ignored all of Aspinall’s callouts ahead of his UFC 309 fight.

To add insult to injury, he has openly criticized Aspinall for trying to chase fame and labeling him as a man who is simply trying to chase fame by going after him in the UFC. Something that ‘Bones’ isn’t interested in making it happen. As a result, he has declared that he would rather face Alex Pereira following Miocic, in case he doesn’t retire.

What do you think? Is Jon Jones actually ducking Tom Aspinall? Let us know in the comments.