Nearly 500 days have passed since Tom Aspinall was crowned the interim heavyweight champion, but fans are still eagerly waiting for a matchup between him and the legendary Jon Jones. However, despite Jones’ recent return to the UFC and his victory over Stipe Miocic, a fight with Aspinall remains unofficial.
It all started in 2019 when Jones and Aspinall were scheduled to face each other for the heavyweight title. However, just a few weeks before the fight, Aspinall suffered a torn pectoral muscle which forced him to withdraw from the bout. This was a huge disappointment for both fighters and fans alike, as the matchup between the two highly skilled athletes was highly anticipated.
But things took an interesting turn when Jon Jones announced his decision to move up to the heavyweight division in 2020. Fans were excited at the prospect of seeing the former light heavyweight champion take on the rising star, Tom Aspinall. However, Jones’ plans were put on hold as he took a year off from the octagon to focus on his personal life.
Finally, in March 2021, Jones made his long-awaited return to the UFC at UFC 309. He faced the reigning heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, in a highly anticipated matchup. After a grueling fight, Jones emerged victorious, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with, even in the heavyweight division.
Following his victory, Jones wasted no time in expressing his interest in a fight with Tom Aspinall. However, he also made it clear that he needs another six months before he can step into the octagon again. This has left fans wondering what the future holds for a potential fight between Jones and Aspinall.
In the meantime, Jones has been engaging in a war of words with his bitter rival, Chael Sonnen. The two have a long-standing feud, and Jones did not hold back in unleashing scathing remarks on Sonnen. While some may see this as a distraction, others believe that Jones is simply trying to stay relevant in the minds of fans during his time away from the octagon.
Despite the delay in setting up a fight between Jones and Aspinall, both fighters have been actively training and improving their skills. Aspinall has been on a winning streak, with his most recent victory being a knockout win over Sergey Spivak at UFC Fight Night 191. His impressive performances have caught the attention of fans and critics alike, and many believe that he has what it takes to defeat Jones.
On the other hand, Jones has been training with top heavyweight fighters, including Francis Ngannou, in preparation for his return to the octagon. He has also been vocal about his desire to face the current heavyweight champion and reclaim his throne as the king of the division.
So, what’s next for Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones? While a fight between the two may not be officially announced yet, it is clear that both fighters are on a collision course. Aspinall has proven that he is a worthy contender for the heavyweight title, and Jones has shown that he is still a dominant force in the octagon.
As fans wait for an official date for the Jones vs. Aspinall fight, it’s safe to say that the anticipation and excitement for this matchup will only continue to grow. Both fighters have a lot to prove, and a victory in this highly anticipated fight could solidify their place as one of the best in the heavyweight division.
In conclusion, nearly 500 days have passed since Tom Aspinall was crowned the interim heavyweight champion, but his bout with Jon Jones remains unofficial. However, with both fighters actively training and expressing their interest in facing each other, it’s only a matter of time before we see these two talented athletes step into the octagon. And when that day comes, it will surely be a fight to remember.
