What is next for Jon Jones? This is one of the biggest questions bothering the fight fans right now. After his UFC 309 performance, ‘Bones’ announced that he would not be retiring from the sport. His statement came in as a blessing for not only the fans but also Tom Aspinall.

The ‘Honey Badger’ for a long time has been trying to get a unification bout with the 37-year-old. So should the champion take on the Englishman next as advised by the fans? Well, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman doesn’t quite feel the same and believes Jones deserves to choose his next opponent.

Kamaru Usman backs Jon Jones’s decision to not fight Tom Aspinall

Kamaru Usman recently took to his Pound 4 Pound podcast and shared his honest opinion on Jones’s next fight. He said, “As humans, we love to watch invincibility shattered. We love it. For some reason, we thirst for it. So we help build the aura of invincibility of a guy where everyone’s pulling it you are great. You’re the greatest but secretly we want to see that broken. We want to see that invincibility broken and I feel like that’s the same with Jon. So it’s up to Jon to say you know what it is what it is I’m done and walk away. “

Following Jones’ dominant win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, the consensus MMA GOAT reiterated his stance that he is more focused on fights that would enhance his legacy rather than taking on rising stars like Aspinall. This declaration has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment over the unlikelihood of seeing Jones and Aspinall square off in the Octagon anytime soon.

This dynamic raises questions about the future of the heavyweight division and whether the UFC will align with Jones’ vision or pursue a unification bout. However, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is not the only one who feels Jones has done the right thing. Team Khabib member and coach Javier Mendez has come up with his thoughts on Jones’ future.

Javier Mendez feels Jones did the right thing by not taking Aspinall fight

For the longest time, Tom Aspinall has expressed both admiration and confidence regarding a potential fight with Jon Jones. The Englishman was present cage-side to witness ‘Bones’ live for the first time this past weekend at UFC 309. Aspinall made some quirky observations and stated that he possesses the tools to dethrone the champion. As for Jones, he simply isn’t interested in the unification bout as made clear after the MSG main event concluded.

Meanwhile, AKA head coach Javier Mendez agrees with Jones’ decision. The legendary coach admitted Aspinall is a tough match-up for the champion, while also reminding the fans that he doesn’t need to take up the bout. On his podcast on his YouTube channel, he said, “You’re [Jones] not going to fight Tom Aspinall. Because in my opinion, that’s a riskier fight. And he’s going to go why do I need that? I don’t need that. He already made his name. And Tom’s still yet gonna make his. He doesn’t want to give him a chance. And he doesn’t need to he don’t need to prove nothing.” 

For Aspinall, the opportunity to face Jones represents more than just a fight—it’s a chance to cement his place as the leader of the next generation of heavyweights. But the big question still remains! Will Jon Jones ever give him the chance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.