Jon Jones seems to be keeping busy with everything except addressing his long-awaited title unification bout against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. While the MMA world waits for an official announcement, ‘Bones’ is out shooting an action movie, playing a soldier, and even squaring off in a playful staredown with Arnold Schwarzenegger—complete with a mock fight stance. But what about the real fight waiting for him inside the Octagon?

Fans, UFC veterans, and even the Englishman are getting fed up with the endless ‘what-ifs’ and ‘maybes’ surrounding Jones. Is he avoiding the fight? Does he want to keep his legacy intact and steer clear of a dangerous challenger like Aspinall? UFC CEO Dana White confirmed during the post-fight press conference at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley that Aspinall would eventually face Jones in 2025. White even doubled down during an Instagram Live session, saying there’s a “100%” chance that the fight would happen.

However, with no concrete updates, Aspinall is growing frustrated. Taking to his YouTube channel, he shared his perspective on the situation. These comments quickly caught the attention of former middleweight champion Michael Bisping and UFC analyst Paul Felder on the Believe You Me podcast. Discussing Aspinall’s video, Bisping said, “Apparently, it’s all on Jon’s side. He doesn’t know whether it’s financial or whatever, but what did he say, Brian? He said at some point he’s just going to have to move on.”

Bisping then turned to Felder for his thoughts, and ‘The Irish Dragon’ didn’t hold back: “I do think that there is a part of Jon that is worried. And I think he’s one of those guys who really wants to keep his legacy intact and really wants to leave essentially undefeated—minus the no-contest or DQ or whatever it was at the time against Matt Hamill. I also think he’s really worried about being put out and flatlined and embarrassed, and that is the last thing that we see. I do think there’s a major part of it that’s that. And I think that is why he is gonna go above and beyond to kinda ask for really big paydays and almost try to price himself out essentially.”

Maybe there’s some truth to the idea that Jon Jones doesn’t want to risk tarnishing his legacy. ‘Bones’ has only one official loss on his record. A 2009 disqualification against Matt Hamill due to 12-to-6 elbow strikes, a rule that has since been adjusted. At the time, those strikes were illegal, but today, the outcome of that fight might have been different.

For the unversed, at UFC 304, Aspinall made a statement with a dominant first-round knockout over Curtis Blaydes, defending the interim heavyweight title. In his post-fight interview, the respectful Brit called out Jones, hoping to set up a superfight. But instead of booking the unification bout, the UFC matched ‘Bones’ with former heavyweight king Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, where Jones secured another victory.

Jones even attempted to have the disqualification overturned, but by then, it was too late. Given his undefeated status outside of that controversial loss, he may be reluctant to risk adding a second defeat to his record. Especially if he sees Aspinall as a real threat. However, the interim champ wasn’t having any of it. Frustrated with the situation, he took to his YouTube channel to share his thoughts, adding more fuel to the ongoing debate.

Tom Aspinall vents out his frustration over the Jon Jones fight hubbub 

Tom Aspinall has made it crystal clear—he wants Jon Jones. The interim heavyweight champion has been vocal about his desire to face ‘Bones’. Moreover, even Dana White and the UFC brass are on board with the matchup. However, the hold-up seems to be coming from Jones himself, who appears more interested in a superfight with Alex Pereira.

The GOAT contender reportedly asked for “f–k you money” to fight Aspinall. And it seems like negotiations between Jones and the UFC have stalled, preventing the fight from being finalized. Aspinall didn’t hold back in a video posted on his official YouTube channel, where he expressed his frustration:

“I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying that I want the fight, when’s it happening? I want the fight more than anyone. He’s [Jones is] holding it up right now, it’s his side, that’s the truth of it. The UFC really want the fight to happen, they’ve told me that this is, as I said, this is one of the biggest fights that can be made in MMA right now.”

The Englishman added, “And everybody knows that everybody knows it. It’s just does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me. And that is where we’re at.”

The Brit even pointed out that the UFC wants the fight to happen. But he believes Jones is protecting his legacy and financial status, not wanting to risk it all. Aspinall, usually calm and composed, appeared agitated and fed up in the video. Known for staying active, the Manchester native made it clear—he wants a fight, with or without Jones. If ‘Bones’ doesn’t commit soon, Aspinall is prepared to move on! So, what do you think? Is Jones unwilling to take the risk, or will this fight eventually happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!