The Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga has been the talk of the town, leaving fans at a crossroads of speculation. Will the UFC’s reigning heavyweight kingpin face the British juggernaut, or is this another case of ‘yes, no, maybe’? With Jones teasing a potential superfight with Alex Pereira and Aspinall’s name repeatedly surfacing in the mix, the situation feels like a never-ending carousel.

Adding fuel to the fire, top light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev has now weighed in, cracking open a new dimension to this narrative. The interviewer asked, “It’s funny that you published a young Tom Aspinall in a Dagestan T-shirt and you joked that this is the real reason why Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight him.” With that cheeky jab in a recent interview, Ankalaev turned humor into a stinging critique.

“Well, yes, the UFC kind of protects it’s champions. Aspinall, we know, he’s so fast and he fights well. This is a very difficult fight for Jones.” While Ankalaev’s statement raises eyebrows, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the notion of Jones ducking anyone. “He’s 37,38 years old and has fought the best in their prime since he was 23,” White said. “He doesn’t duck anybody.”

Known for his unfiltered approach, the Russian contender took several shot at Jones on social media, even mocking his fighting record. “Facts, Jon Jones only has two finishes in the last 10 years,” Ankalaev posted, followed by a GIF insinuating Jones’ rumored doping history. Jones didn’t take it lightly, firing back, “Magomed jealousy won’t earn you legend status. Train harder, hate less. Want to insult me? Break some of my records first.” The verbal sparring highlights the tension between Jones and Ankalaev, with the latter eager to climb the ranks while Jon ‘Bones’ Jones focuses on legacy-defining bouts.

Is UFC focused on matchmaking or legacy management for Jon Jones?

Despite the back-and-forth, White’s stance on Jones’ career is unequivocal. He turned down the champ’s interest in facing Alex Pereira, emphasizing that the matchup would not necessarily be competitive. “Pereira’s wrestling isn’t near the level of Jon Jones, and Jon is way bigger,” White stated. Yet, Jones’ willingness to vacate his heavyweight title for the superfight has raised questions about his intentions. The tension surrounding the GOAT’s next move, whether Aspinall factors into it, continues to escalate.

While Jon Jones has openly pursued a bout with Alex Pereira, Tom Aspinall looms as the biggest threat to his heavyweight reign, as endorsed by Ankalaev, who remarked, “So I think he is avoiding this fight.” Is UFC protecting it’s star by holding off on booking this fight, or are other factors at play? The UFC’s matchmaking choices, despite Dana White’s assurances, haven’t gone unnoticed. Aspinall, showcasing explosive performances, has repeatedly called out Jones, only to be met with silence.

Yet, the delay in the showdown could be strategic. With Jones nearing the end of his career, high-profile fights like the one against Pereira might take precedence over risking it all against a younger, faster opponent. For Ankalaev, the optics don’t sit right. “Jones doesn’t want to fight Aspinall. Pereira is recovering, and I’m hungry,” he said, making his own case as a contender ready to disrupt the UFC’s established order.

The Jones-Aspinall Dilemma underscores the balancing act of legacy and merit in the UFC. While White insists that “anybody to say that he’s ducking anybody, it’s ridiculous,” the perception among fighters like Ankalaev tells a different story. Will Jones face Aspinall, or will the British star be left in the wings? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!