Undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall have been at loggerheads with each other on social media for quite some time now. Aspinall became the interim champion when Jones got injured and could not fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295.
The UFC elevated the light heavyweight title fight co-main event to the main event and made an interim heavyweight title fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. Aspinall won via first-round knockout and has since targeted a fight with either Miocic or Jones which the UFC is not particularly interested in.
Michael Bisping shares his thoughts on Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall beef
The social media feud between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall did not go unnoticed by the MMA community. UFC Hall of Famer and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping provided his take on the matter on his YouTube channel.
Michael Bisping, now a commentator and analyst for the UFC and Power Slap, believes that Jon Jones should fight Tom Aspinall to legitimize his standing as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Moreover, he sees the social media tussle between the two only causing more intrigue in the fight.
Bisping noted that the two were initially cordial on social media but things escalated pretty quickly. Jones had congratulated Aspinall when the latter became the interim champion and Aspinall even responded by acknowledging Jones as the GOAT of MMA. However, things turned sour when Aspinall pushed for a fight with Jones followed by a refusal from Jones.
Bisping further stated that Jones should not retire after the fight with Miocic, which Bisping predicted Jones to win. In order to dispel media rumors of Jones avoiding a fight with Aspinall for fear of a potential loss, he has to defend the title against Aspinall.
Jon Jones injury update
Jon Jones’ return to the octagon is hindered by a pectoral injury he suffered during his training camp for the Stipe Miocic fight at UFC 295. This has put the UFC heavyweight division at a standstill, as there is now an interim champion who won’t be facing an undisputed champion next.
Jones underwent elbow surgery in November and the estimated time of rehabilitation is close to 9 months which would mean that he will return between mid and late 2024. The period of recovery is very crucial for Jones as there is a potential for a high-stakes matchup with a much younger Tom Aspinall
“Bones” has never been sidelined with an injury before, but he has faced issues outside the sport, including drug abuse problems that have hindered his ability to compete. Jones’ former rival, Daniel Cormier, attributes the injury to Jones’ body not holding up with the added mass from competing at the heavyweight level after years in the light heavyweight division.
Do you think Jon Jones will face Tom Aspinall? Leave your prediction below!
