What Tom Aspinall just did wasn’t just bold—it was the kind of move that forces a narrative shift across an entire division. And now, like it or not, Jon Jones is officially on the clock.
In a moment that felt less like an interview and more like a coronation, Aspinall went on record declaring himself the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The reason? He has retired Jon Jones.
“Jon’s retired,” Aspinall said bluntly during an appearance on Good Guy/Bad Guy. And then he added the kind of farewell usually reserved for Hall of Fame ceremonies: “God bless him moving forward.” The message was clear he’s tired of Jones antics and it was a great way to shift the narrative.
And let’s be honest: the numbers support Aspinall’s claim. Jones has held a UFC heavyweight title for over 800 days… and fought just twice. Aspinall, meanwhile, is the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history and has already defended his belt. In terms of action, momentum, and relevance, the balance is leaning heavily toward the Brit.
Sure, Jones offered a vague response about “stuff happening behind the scenes” and legal limitations preventing him from talking. But to the hungry and frustrated heavyweight division—and to fans—those words don’t land with much weight. Aspinall didn’t buy it either. In fact, he went a step further and said he doesn’t even care about fighting Jones anymore.
“I’m not looking to fight Jon Jones,” he said. “I’m trying to fight all the guys.” And he listed them—Ciryl Gane, Derrick Lewis, Jailton Almeida, even Brock Lesnar. The message? Aspinall isn’t waiting around like Michael Chandler chasing Conor McGregor. He’s on his own path, and it leads through everyone.
This is where the heavyweight division has changed overnight. Aspinall isn’t chasing clout; he’s chasing legacy. And if Jon Jones wants to be part of that story, it’ll take more than social media posts and behind-the-scenes whispers. It’ll take action. It’ll take a fight.
Until then, the belt may say “interim,” but the energy says otherwise. Tom Aspinall is walking and talking like the real champion.
