Tom Aspinall is ready to take on the world. The UFC interim heavyweight champ has his eyes on the undisputed title, currently held by Jon Jones. But not everyone thinks Jones is moving fast enough to make that fight happen. Tom’s dad, Andy Aspinall, is speaking out, and there’s news about what Jones wants. This heavyweight drama is heating up as of March 19, 2025.
Aspinall’s Dad Says Fight or Vacate
Andy Aspinall isn’t holding back about Jon Jones and the UFC heavyweight title.
“You are contracted to do three fights a year and I think he’s worked himself into a position where [Tom Aspinall] should fight for a belt. For me, if a guy doesn’t want to fight for the belt, he should vacate it,” he said.
He thinks Tom’s earned his shot. Tom won the interim belt at UFC 295 in November 2023 with a knockout over Sergei Pavlovich and defended it against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024. That’s two big wins while Jones has been out.
Andy doesn’t see Jones as some unbeatable legend either.
“Tom isn’t bothered about Jones. Jon Jones is just another body in the gym, another bum in the shower,” he said.
For him, Jones is just another fighter standing in Tom’s way. He’s tired of waiting and wants the UFC to force Jones to step up or step aside.
Jones Needs Six Months, Says Helwani
Ariel Helwani, a longtime MMA reporter, has details on why this fight might not happen soon.
“Well, clock is ticking on [a summer fight], because I was told that Jon wants six months to prepare once the fight is locked in,” Helwani said on YouTube.
That’s a long wait. If the UFC sets the fight now, six months from March 19, 2025, lands in September.
“And what’s six months from now? September? Now I’m sure money talks, but it feels like the summer, if that is the goal, is starting to slip away a little bit,” Helwani added.
Fans hoping for a big summer clash might be out of luck.
Jones last fought Miocic at Madison Square Garden, his second heavyweight bout after winning the title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. A shoulder injury kept him out for over a year before that. Now, after beating Miocic, he’s back in the gym, but his six-month prep demand could push his next fight late into 2025.
Tom Aspinall’s been on fire. His interim title win came in just 60 seconds. His defense against Blaydes was another quick finish. He’s 14-3 overall, with 11 knockouts, and he’s itching to unify the belts. Jones, with a 27-1 record, is one of the greatest ever, but he’s only fought once in the last two years. That’s what’s frustrating the Aspinall camp. They see a champ who’s not active while Tom’s racking up wins.
Andy Aspinall’s point is simple. If Jones isn’t ready to defend the title, he shouldn’t hold it. The UFC expects champs to fight a few times a year, and Jones isn’t close to that. Tom’s dad believes his son’s earned the right to take over.
What’s Next for the Heavyweight Title
The UFC wants Jones vs. Aspinall. Fans want it too. But with Jones asking for six months, the schedule’s getting tricky. Summer 2025, maybe International Fight Week on June 28, is a prime spot for big fights. Helwani’s info suggests that window’s closing fast unless Jones speeds up or the UFC throws cash to change his mind. Andy Aspinall isn’t waiting around. He’s pushing for Tom to get his shot, and he’s telling Jones to vacate if he won’t fight.
Right now, Tom’s the interim champ, and Jones is the undisputed king. The clock’s ticking. Will Jones step up, or will the UFC listen to Andy and make a move? Either way, Tom Aspinall’s ready to prove he’s the real deal.
