Tom Aspinall: “Jon Jones Is Done – I’m Focused on the Real Belt Now”
Tom Aspinall didn’t hold back in his latest interview on ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy. The reigning UFC interim heavyweight champion dismissed the ongoing speculation surrounding a possible showdown with Jon Jones, saying bluntly, “Still talking about Jon Jones? He’s retired, lads!”
Aspinall expressed frustration with how long the heavyweight division has been on pause due to Jones’ inactivity, claiming it’s time to move on and let the real contenders fight for undisputed status. “People are clinging on to something that isn’t going to happen. I’m not waiting for a fantasy matchup,” Aspinall said.
In what might be the biggest reveal of the interview, Aspinall confirmed that he has a fight and venue already locked in. “It’s done. Opponent, date, place—I’ve got it all. Just waiting for the green light to go public,” he teased. While he didn’t drop names, fans are speculating that Sergei Pavlovich or Jailton Almeida could be next in line.
When asked about his ideal scenario, Aspinall was clear: “I want the real belt. If Jon’s not coming back, strip him. Let’s get the division moving again.”
The Brit also chimed in on the chaos that unfolded during the recent UFC Vegas 107 card, where Maycee Barber was unable to walk out for her main event against Erin Blanchfield. With Valentina Shevchenko still recovering from injury, Aspinall joked, “At least the heavyweights show up when it’s time to fight.”
As the interim king continues to build his legacy, the question now is: Will the UFC finally make the heavyweight picture clear—or is Aspinall stuck waiting for a ghost?
