The uncertainty surrounding the unification of the UFC heavyweight titles finally seems to be clearing up. Since last year, interim champion Tom Aspinall has been targeting a showdown with Jon Jones, the reigning champion, to settle the score. However, Jones has been reluctant to entertain the idea of facing the Englishman. Everyone expected ‘Bones’ to retire after defending his belt against Stipe Miocic in November, but he didn’t. So that leave fans and the fight world speculating; will we finally get this fight?

The good news for fans is that the fight between the pair is now inevitable as declared by UFC CEO Dana White after many claimed Jones is ‘ducking’ Aspinall. However, in what seems like a U-turn, the 30-year-old Englishman now feels ‘Bones’ did the right thing. Let us find out what he had to say about it.

Tom Aspinall backs Jon Jones’s decision of not wanting to fight him next

Jon Jones has been avoiding a matchup with the UK-based Tom Aspinall since winning the heavyweight title, to the point where Aspinall had to defend his interim title – absurd, right? ‘Bones’ even walked out of a TNT Sports interview during the UFC 309 fight week, likely fearing questions about when he would face Aspinall to unify the heavyweight titles. However, ‘Honey Badger’ feels the champion is handling the situation correctly and has made the right decision. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Aspinall pointed out how the risk factor for Jones is higher if he takes on the interim champion.

He said, ” I don’t think he is a snowflake now. He’s trying to get more money. I don’t think he’s ducking me. He’s trying to get more money.” ‘Honey Badger’ also pointed out that the risk factor in the fight is far higher for Jones than the interim champion. All these factors are forcing the 37-year-old to rethink his decision to fight him, according to the Brit. Aspinall further added, “You know what I agree I actually agree with a lot of what Jon says. When you put the resumes next to each other. His resume is far superior to mine. The risk-reward for both of us his risk is here.” 

Tom Aspinall has never fought past the second round in his 18-fight MMA career, securing victories in all but five of his 15 bouts within the first round. The only exception came when he tore his ACL just 15 seconds into a fight against Curtis Blaydes, who he eventually KO’d in the first round in their rematch. Known for his finishing ability, Aspinall has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

The hard-hitting Brit is currently waiting for his opportunity to fight Jones next in his career. While he is failing to get a response from the undisputed champion, Aspinall is also trying tactics of trying to get under the skin of the champion. For many Jon Jones is the greatest MMA fighter of all time without a doubt. However, Aspinall doesn’t quite agree with it and shared his reasons while speaking to Morgan on his show.

Tom Aspinall points out the biggest reason for him not considering Jones the best

The debate over Jon Jones’ status as the greatest MMA fighter continues, especially after his victory over Stipe Miocic last month. In the midst of this, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has once again weighed in, expressing his disagreement with the notion of Jones being “the best.” Aspinall points to Jones’ past PED failures as a major factor that makes it difficult for him to accept that accolade for the UFC heavyweight champion. Jon Jones’ history with not just performance-enhancing but recreational substances is well-known among MMA fans. From being caught using estrogen blockers to testing positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol, Aspinall views such actions as clear cheating.

During his most high-profile interview to date, the Manchester native made it clear what he believes qualifies someone as the best MMA fighter ever. When the Piers Morgan asked him if he thought Jones was the best fighter ever Aspinall replied, “Potentially [the greatest ever] but the way that I look at it, he has failed a couple of dr*g tests. To me, that rules you out of being the best of all time… For me, personally… If you’re on PEDs and your opponent isn’t, that’s absolutely cheating!”. Although Tom Aspinall has highlighted Jon Jones’ issues with failed dr*g tests, he has emphasized that he holds no personal grudge against the reigning champion. He only wants to take the belt which according to him belongs to him.

Regardless of Aspinall’s stance, the question remains: do you agree with the Manchester native’s view? How highly do you rate Jon Jones as a fighter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.