The highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has been generating significant buzz within the MMA community. Nevertheless, in accordance with Ariel Helwani, Jones is in search of a considerable period of time to arrange for the fight, requesting six months once the bout is officially confirmed which hinders the chance for these two to face off at UFC 317.
🚨Ariel Helwani says he was told Jon Jones wants 6 months to arrange for Tom Aspinall
“I used to be told Jon Jones wants 6 months to arrange from when the fight is locked in”
“It seems like the summer, if that’s the goal… its beginning to be slip away a bit”
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/vJX5Y1tbFg
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) March 18, 2025
Could Jon Jones potentially be stalling?
The highly anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has been shrouded in uncertainty, with negotiations dragging on for months. Certainly one of the important thing aspects contributing to this delay is Jones’ apparent reluctance to commit to a fight date without ensuring he has sufficient time to arrange. This example has led to speculation that Jones could be stalling, potentially to secure higher financial terms or to make sure he’s in optimal condition for the bout.
Tom Aspinall provides an update on the Jon Jones fight:
“What’s holding it up straight away is [Jon’s] side. That’s the reality of it…
Remember what I said… ‘I’ll retire Jon Jones without even fighting him’.”
🎥 @AspinallMMA #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/YLkdDSZ3Td
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 2, 2025
Jones’ recent victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 appeared to set the stage for a title unification fight against Aspinall. Nevertheless, despite Dana White’s assurances that the fight will occur this summer, no official date has been announced. Aspinall has expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations, stating that he’s uninterested in discussing the fight until something official is confirmed.
A Barrier to UFC 317 at International Fight Week
Jon Jones’ request for six months to arrange for the fight against Tom Aspinall has thrown a wrench into plans for the bout to happen at International Fight Week, which occurs in late June or early July. This timeline would make it inconceivable for Jones to fight on the rumored date of June twenty eighth, as UFC 317 is scheduled for that day. Ariel Helwani noted that if Jones insists on a six-month preparation period, the earliest the fight could occur can be September.
This prolonged preparation time has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether it’s obligatory or if it reflects Jones’ cautious approach to competition. Jones has historically been meticulous about his training camps, often taking time to make sure he’s in peak physical and mental condition. Nevertheless, this level of preparation could delay the fight beyond the summer, potentially pushing it into the autumn and even later.
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The delay has significant implications for each fighters. Aspinall, who hasn’t competed since July 2024, risks losing momentum and potentially being out of motion for over a 12 months if the fight is delayed further. Meanwhile, Jones’ insistence on a lengthy preparation period could also be seen as a strategic move to make sure he’s fully ready for what guarantees to be a difficult bout against the formidable Aspinall.
The Way forward for the Heavyweight Division
The uncertainty surrounding the Jones vs. Aspinall fight has broader implications for the heavyweight division. With no clear timeline for the title unification bout, other contenders like Jailton Almeida, Curtis Blaydes, and others are left in limbo, awaiting their very own opportunities to compete for the title. The delay also affects the general momentum of the division, as fans eagerly await a resolution to the championship picture.
Dana White stays optimistic in regards to the fight happening this summer, however the six-month preparation period requested by Jones complicates these plans. If the fight is pushed back, it could lead on to a reevaluation of the division’s rankings and potentially open up opportunities for other fighters to step into the title picture to tackle Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title.
The prolonged negotiations for the Jones vs. Aspinall fight, coupled with Jones’ request for an prolonged preparation period, have created a fancy situation which will delay the bout beyond the summer. Because the MMA world waits for clarity on this highly anticipated matchup, the main focus stays on the strategic decisions being made by each fighters and the UFC. Whether Jones’ preparation plan is a tactical move or a real necessity, it has undoubtedly added one other layer of intrigue to this already charming storyline.
