Tom Aspinall, the UFC interim heavyweight champion, voiced frustration over delays in booking a clash with Jon Jones for the undisputed crown. Speaking on the High Performance Podcast in March 2025, aired May 11 2025, Aspinall said he’s ready but believes Jones is stalling for a larger paycheck. He’s weary of waiting and may target other opponents if no agreement is reached soon.
Aspinall emphasized his lack of control over talks. “Me, personally, I can’t do anything,” Aspinall said. “I just think it’s down to money on his side. I will fight whenever, wherever he wants, but it’s down to money I think.”
He affirmed his readiness to compete anytime.
He pointed to Jones’ extensive career as a factor. “I just think that at this stage in his career, he’s had an amazing career, I just think that he’s like 37, 38 years old, but not only that, he’s got a million miles on the clock. So he’s got a lot of damage on the body, he’s taken a lot of shots to the head. And that’s not me saying anything negative. That’s the reality of it, and I’m sure Jon Jones is aware of that,” Aspinall said.
Jones, 37, has fought 30 times since 2008.
Aspinall underscored his own danger.
“When you put him in there with, and I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet, but I’m literally the most dangerous guy in the UFC if you look at the stats,” Aspinall explained. “When you put him in with a guy of my size who has them credentials at this stage in his career, I think Jon’s a smart guy and realizes that, so he wants to be compensated financially for it. I’m well bored of the Jones conversation. I’ve had enough. We either need to fight, or I need to move on to something else”. Via MMAFighting
His 8-1 UFC record boasts seven first-round finishes.
Jones, the heavyweight champion, last competed at UFC 309 in November 2024, stopping Stipe Miocic in round three. He’s 2-0 at heavyweight, also submitting Ciryl Gane in 2023. Jones has called Aspinall “annoying” and questioned his resume, demanding a massive purse.
Aspinall’s teammate Modestas Bukauskas said Aspinall “just wants to compete” and isn’t fazed by Jones’ taunts. Curtis Blaydes, who lost to Aspinall in 2024, argued Jones must face him to cement his heavyweight legacy. Aspinall trains daily, staying sharp for a sudden call.
Jones has suggested fighting light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira instead, a move UFC CEO Dana White rejected. White insists Jones vs. Aspinall is the priority, targeting summer 2025. He labeled it the “biggest heavyweight bout in UFC history”.
Aspinall’s annoyance mirrors sentiments from former champion Daniel Cormier, who urged Jones to stop delaying. Jones’ history of avoiding contenders, like Chael Sonnen in 2013, fuels skepticism. Aspinall remains focused, training in Manchester.
Heavyweight Division Awaits Clarity
Aspinall, 31, captured the interim belt in November 2023 against Sergei Pavlovich and defended it against Blaydes in July 2024. His 8-1 UFC record positions him as the division’s top challenge. He’s the longest-serving interim champion in UFC history.
Jones, a former light heavyweight legend, holds 16 championship wins across two divisions. His reluctance cites Aspinall’s limited defenses, though White dismisses this. Jones’ only loss was a 2009 disqualification.
The tension started when Jones prioritized Miocic over Aspinall at UFC 309. Aspinall labeled Jones a “strange guy” in April 2025, citing his duck-themed social media jabs. Jones once praised Aspinall’s 2023 win but now demands “f*ck you money”.
Jones’ history of delays includes avoiding Alexander Gustafsson in 2012. Chael Sonnen claimed in April 2025 the fight was set, but later suggested Aspinall might face Gane. Din Thomas predicted Gane or Derrick Lewis for Aspinall at UFC 317 if Jones stalls.
Georges St-Pierre advised Aspinall to focus on the next foe, not Jones. Aspinall refuses to wait like Michael Chandler did for Conor McGregor. He’s prepared for any contender, from Gane to Jailton Almeida.
If Jones retires, Aspinall could face Gane, Almeida, or Alexander Volkov for the vacant crown. White debunked Jones’ $30 million demand as “bullsh*t”. Aspinall respects Jones’ right to negotiate but wants action.
Rashad Evans, Jones’ former teammate, hopes he retires to preserve his legacy, citing age. Blaydes believes Jones will sign for millions, as retirement feels unlikely. The UFC banks on this blockbuster.
Aspinall’s push for a summer 2025 date pressures Jones to commit. The heavyweight division’s path hinges on their bout or Aspinall’s next step. Aspinall’s resolve keeps the spotlight on this saga.
