Jon Jones has told fans he has ‘no clue’ why the UFC haven’t provided an update on his future.
‘Bones’ has asserted that he told the UFC his plans ‘a long time ago’ as the delay to his fight with Tom Aspinall continues.
Jones, 37, is nearing the record as the longest-reigning UFC heavyweight champion of all time, but has only defended the belt once since winning it in March 2023.
He defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to claim heavyweight gold, but was unable to defend it against the now-retired Stipe Miocic after injuring his pectoral muscle.
During Jones’ absence, Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title to cement his name as the No. 1 contender to the American’s throne.
However, the Briton was forced to defend his interim status at UFC Manchester last July, as Jones opted to pursue a legacy bout with Miocic instead.
Jones has continued to snub the 32-year-old from Wigan for a unification bout since he retained the strap against Miocic at UFC 309, even though UFC CEO Dana White has said numerous times the superfight will happen.
The heavyweight champion is currently in Thailand and posted about his time ‘enjoying life’ on social media on Monday.
One fan responded to his post on X, saying: “Enjoying your last days as champ before being stripped I see Jon?”
Jones clearly didn’t like what he read, so replied to the fan.
“Stripped? Lol do I come across as the type of person who cares about things like that?” he said.
Another fan commented: “Yes, otherwise you’d have vacated the belt a long time ago because you don’t plan to fight Tom.”
To which Jones responded: “Ya’ll barking up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.”
Jones’ posts sparked a major reaction in the MMA community, and when one fan asked: “What exactly are your plans?” he said: “To continue to monetise on his amazing brand that I’ve created.”
‘Bones’ then relished the hate when another fan told him to ‘shut the f*** up and fight.’
“This, this attitude, right here is making me a very wealthy man,” he said. “This desperation is incredibly lucrative, so thank you. Keep it coming.”
Jones vs Aspinall is getting more and more unlikely to take place this year as time ticks on.
Last week, White announced his promotion’s plans for pay-per-view events this summer, meaning the UFC heavyweight title fight can realistically only take place in November or December.
Aspinall has been the interim heavyweight champion for over 500 days, and under any other circumstances would’ve been awarded his title shot by now.
His defence of the interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 was a rarity, as Aspinall continues to train twice a day, waiting for imminent news on his next fight.
The 32-year-old has opened up about the ongoing negotiations many times, saying last week that he believes Jones’ financial demands are holding up their meeting.
Jones has reportedly asked for a lucrative monetary package to get into the Octagon with Aspinall, as he realises his time in the sport is limited.
The former light heavyweight king is still widely viewed as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time by several UFC fans, but if a fight with Aspinall doesn’t take place his legacy could be tarnished forever.
Aspinall, meanwhile, is statistically the deadliest fighter in the UFC, having finished seven of his eight victories in the promotion within the first five minutes.
Tom Aspinall’s last five UFC fights
Deadly
Def. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024 via first-round KO (defended UFC interim heavyweight title)
Def. Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023 via first-round KO (won UFC interim heavyweight title)
Def. Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs Tybura via first-round KO
Lost. Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Aspinall via first-round TKO (suffered knee injury after 15 seconds)
Def. Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs Aspinall va first-round KO
In fact, his last thee victories have come at 1:00, 1:09 and 1:13 in the first round, so it’s no surprise Jones wants to be heavily rewarded for locking horns with the Englishman.
