The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is buzzing with tension as Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, clashes with interim titleholder Tom Aspinall. Aspinall’s recent call for Jones to be stripped of the regular title has ignited a war of words between the two fighters.
In November 2023, Tom Aspinall secured the interim heavyweight belt by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich. This victory came after Jones’s planned title defense against Stipe Miocic fell through due to Jones suffering a torn pectoral muscle. While Aspinall would typically challenge the regular champion next, the UFC expressed a desire to reorganize Jones vs. Miocic, despite expectations that Jones would be out of action until autumn 2024.
Frustrated by the delay, Aspinall publicly called for the UFC to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title he won in March. Aspinall argued that such a move would allow the division to move forward. However, Jones took issue with the Briton’s words, defending his legacy and accomplishments.
Jon Jones continues to dismiss interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall 🙄 pic.twitter.com/P5wtK5OmRc
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 3, 2024
Jon Jones Fires Back
In a fiery response on social media, Jones wrote, “I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. During camp for a title defense, I sustained a major injury that required surgery for the first time in my career.”
He continued, “Now I have newcomers requesting I get my championship stripped. Zero wins over legends, zero title defenses, and already thinking you can call the shots to Dana White, that’s hilarious. In my 15-year career, there’s ever only been one Jon Jones—never forget that.”
Tom Aspinall Clarifies His Stance
Aspinall later backtracked, tweeting, “You’re right. Sorry Jon.” In an interview with The Sun, he explained, “I think Jon Jones has done so much for the sport that he maybe deserves to keep the belt.”
However, he also hinted that if Jones’s recovery takes too long, vacating the title might be necessary. “We’re talking about a guy with a lot of miles on the clock,” Aspinall said. “This thing is going to take a while; I know a few people who have torn their pec and stuff. It’s no joke that injury, mate.”
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