With speculation swirling around Jon Jones‘ next move, UFC featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski has joined his voice to the growing desire for a heavyweight title unification fight. Volkanovski, who appeared on Believe You Me with Michael Bisping, was blunt in his criticism of Jones’ refusal to fight interim champion Tom Aspinall. He made it clear that if ‘Bones’ truly wanted to remain the heavyweight champion, there was only one fight to make. Otherwise, Volkanovski says it would be difficult not to think that Jon Jones is avoiding the Briton.

“I mean, it’s a tricky one, right?” Volkanovski explained. “Like, it’s just the fact that the heavyweight champion and interim champion—it’s the only fight to make.” He said that ‘Bones’ remaining at heavyweight while disregarding Aspinall does not make sense. “If he vacates and just doesn’t want to fight, that doesn’t look good. It means you’re obviously ducking Tom. If you want to fight, but it’s not going to be Tom, it’s hard to look at it any other way.” The former featherweight champion highlighted that, while Jones has accomplished much more than enough in his storied career, fighting the Briton is a no-brainer if he wants to stay on top.

Aspinall has been vocal about his desire to fight Jones, and he just revealed that he will meet with UFC officials this week to discuss his next fight. The British heavyweight has stated that negotiations for the bout are ongoing, with Jones’ team reportedly agreeing. ‘Bones,’ on the other hand, has stated that he wants at least six months to prepare, potentially delaying the fight to September rather than the previously scheduled UFC 317 in June.

With UFC CEO Dana White wanting to make the fight happen this summer, the delay has sparked questions about whether the heavyweight champion is committed to confronting Aspinall or simply waiting for a greater payoff. Jones, who hasn’t fought since his dominating victory over Stipe Miocic last November, is said to have made considerable financial demands for the bout. While some say he is merely ensuring that his legacy ends on his terms, others, such as Alexander Volkanovski, view things differently. The featherweight legend’s words in the podcast join a rising chorus of voices encouraging Jones to step up or risk tarnishing his image. In fact, he might’ve already lost any respect Tom Aspinall might’ve had for him.

Tom Aspinall is frustrated with Jon Jones delaying the impending fight

With Dana White pushing for a summer fight and Alexander Volkanovski openly criticizing Jon Jones for avoiding Tom Aspinall, the pressure is growing on the UFC heavyweight champion. However, as ‘Bones’ continues to wait, Tom Aspinall, who was previously ready to share the Octagon with him, appears to be becoming tired of the endless speculation. What had seemed like an unavoidable fight for heavyweight supremacy is now turning into a drawn-out waiting game, one that the interim heavyweight champion is no longer interested in playing.

The Briton has made it clear that he is done talking about a contest that may never take place. In a recent interview with JNMEDIA, Tom Aspinall revealed his frustration, saying, “I’ve had enough talking about it, mate. Honestly, I’m bored of it. We’ll see what happens; yeah, we will just see. I’m ready to fight whenever they tell me. So, just let me know, and I will be there.” His statements indicate that, while he is still prepared to fight, he is no longer waiting for Jones to come up.

Despite the rising uncertainty, one thing remains certain: fans still want to see this battle. Jon Jones may be a legend, but his refusal to fight Tom Aspinall is beginning to cast doubt on his legacy. Whether he eventually agrees to the fight or walks away, the story surrounding his heavyweight reign is changing. If he truly wants to solidify his status as the greatest, there may only be one way to do so: face the challenge that the whole MMA world is waiting for. So, what do you think? Will we get to see the two fight in 2025? Let us know in the comments.