Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer, has publicly challenged Jon Jones’ reluctance to face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. On June 19, 2025, Cormier urged the UFC to strip Jones of his heavyweight title, suggesting that Jones’ hesitation stems from a desire to avoid a knockout loss to Aspinall rather than fear.
Jon Jones is one of MMA’s greatest fighters. He claimed the light heavyweight title in 2011 at age 23, defeating Mauricio Rua at UFC 128. Jones defended the belt eight times against top fighters like Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, and Lyoto Machida, holding it until 2020. His only career loss was a 2009 disqualification against Matt Hamill. In March 2023, Jones transitioned to heavyweight, submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to win the vacant title. After an injury delayed his first defense, he stopped Stipe Miocic in November 2024 at UFC 309 to retain his belt. Now, fans and fighters demand he face Aspinall, the interim champion.
Tension Over Aspinall Bout
Tom Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title in November 2023, knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He defended it in July 2024 against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, showcasing his speed and power with five consecutive first-round knockouts. Despite calls from fans, fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, and a Change.org petition with nearly 200,000 signatures, Jones has shown little interest in a unification bout. UFC president Dana White stated on June 8, 2025, that Jones agreed to fight Aspinall, but Jones’ recent actions, including walking out of a June 19, 2025, interview when asked about Aspinall, suggest otherwise.
Cormier criticized Jones’ delay in addressing the fight.
“What took so long? What took so long for you to tell us, ‘Hey, if (the desire to fight) comes back, I’ll come back.’ But right now it’s not there. What took so long?” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “You will get grace in that regard. By not saying something, by waiting to say something, you gave people the idea that you just don’t want to fight this guy. Seriously, that you just don’t want to fight this guy, who represents another era of fighter.” He added, “By taking so long, he’s now given you the idea, ‘Well, he’s afraid.’” Via MMAJunkie
Cormier argues that Aspinall is a distinct threat to Jones.
“That might’ve worked before. That’s not working this time. That’s where Jones loses me,” said Cormier, who called for the UFC to strip Jones of the heavyweight title. “I get it that he’s seen the great hope of someone that’s going to beat him in the past. There’s never been someone like this.” He explained that Jones’ age and lifestyle make Aspinall dangerous. “Let me tell you why it’s never been someone like Aspinall: because of the way the rules have changed. If this was Jon Jones at 28 years old, no worry for him, and Aspinall would not be the biggest threat to him. The reason Aspinall is the biggest threat to him today is because (Jones is) 38 years old. Because he’s lived a life of excess, partying, living, doing all those things that back in the day got him into trouble.”
Cormier, who faced Jones twice and lost both times (with their 2017 rematch overturned to a no-contest due to Jones’ failed drug test), believes Jones is protecting his legacy.
“Aspinall’s the biggest threat today because the roles have reversed. At 28 years old, Jon would’ve seen Tom a million times over and fought him already. But Jon, at 38, recognizes that this dude is a little better. He’s not afraid. He just doesn’t want to get knocked out. Jon Jones prefers to let his legacy stay as is with the caveat that he didn’t fight Tom Aspinall, didn’t run the risk of fighting Tom Aspinall and getting beat by Tom Aspinall. That’s where the difference lies. That’s where the worry comes from. That’s why we’re seeing a man say ‘this guy doesn’t really excite me’ when in reality, it’s exciting. But it’s also very scary.”
The heavyweight division remains in limbo. Aspinall, frustrated by Jones’ reluctance, said on June 10, 2025, that Jones has “reached his time limit” and hinted at upcoming fight news. Other heavyweights, like Shamil Gaziev and Marcin Tybura, are rising, but the focus remains on Jones versus Aspinall. Dana White expects a resolution soon, with the UFC potentially booking other matchups if Jones continues to delay.
Cormier’s history with Jones, marked by two high-profile fights, gives his critique weight. As a UFC commentator, he’s outspoken about the need for action. His call to strip Jones’ title aims to push the division forward, giving Aspinall a chance to claim the undisputed crown. Cormier sees Jones’ hesitation as a calculated move to preserve his legacy, not a lack of courage.
Jones’ status as a two-division champion is secure, but his avoidance of Aspinall risks damaging his reputation.
