Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer, recently shared his theory on why Jon Jones appears reluctant to face Tom Aspinall in a heavyweight title unification bout. On his YouTube channel, Cormier suggested Jones fears a knockout loss to Aspinall, which could leave a damaging image. The remarks underscore the tension surrounding the delayed fight as Aspinall presses for a chance at Jones’ title.
Jones and Aspinall’s Heavyweight Rivalry
Jon Jones, holding a 27-1 record, won the UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He defended it against Stipe Miocic with a third-round TKO at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024, his only fight since. Previously, Jones dominated the light heavyweight division, defending that title 11 times.
Tom Aspinall, a British fighter with a 15-3 record, claimed the interim heavyweight title in November 2023 by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He defended it with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024, holding the interim belt longer than any UFC fighter. Aspinall has publicly urged Jones for a unification bout, but Jones remains uncommitted.
Cormier’s Insight on Jones’ Concerns
On his YouTube channel, Cormier offered his perspective.
“You know what a big worry might be for him [Jones]? With Aspinall, he can potentially get knocked out, like legitimately knocked out, put on his back and out cold. I just don’t know he wants to have that visual of him in the world,” he said.
He connected it to his own experience, noting:
“When I see myself get beat, and I’m like, ‘God, that’s such a horrible visual of me everytime.”
Cormier believes Jones, with his near-unblemished career, aims to avoid a knockout that could harm his legacy.
👀Daniel Cormier says Jon Jones doesn’t fight Tom Aspinall because he’s afraid to get knocked out:
“With [Tom] Aspinall, he can potentially get knocked out. Legitimately knocked out and put on his back, out cold.
I don’t think he wants to have that visual of him in the world.”… pic.twitter.com/CpQVnXvXk4
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 27, 2025
Cormier, who lost to Jones at UFC 182 in 2015 and UFC 214 in 2017 (the latter overturned to a no-contest due to Jones’ doping violation), also pointed to Jones’ ego. He suggested Jones values his image and might feel pressured to fight Aspinall to avoid appearing evasive.
Jones has brushed off Aspinall’s challenge, saying in a November 2024 interview with Adin Ross, “The only way that we do it is if Dana and Hunter give me a check that really changes my mind.” Aspinall responded in a May 2025 interview with Mighty Mouse, stating, “I’m a bad matchup for him, to be honest, and he knows it.”
Aspinall’s power, with seven of nine UFC wins by first-round knockout, makes him a threat. His average fight time of under two minutes is the shortest in UFC history. Since UFC 304, he has vowed to fight only for the undisputed title, intensifying calls for Jones to step up.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed confidence in May 2025, telling ESPN, “I think we’ll get that fight done,” though no date is set. A Change.org petition launched in May 2025 demands Jones be stripped of his title for stalling, showing growing frustration.
Cormier’s Rivalry and Analysis
Cormier’s history with Jones, marked by a 2014 press conference brawl and two heated fights, adds depth to his comments. Now a commentator, he has pushed Jones to face Aspinall, saying in a May 2025 podcast, “I’m retired… Fight the guy who’s waiting, Tom.”
Cormier envisions a November 2025 fight at Madison Square Garden but cautions that Jones’ long layoff could be a disadvantage against Aspinall’s speed.
