It’s been over 300 days since Tom Aspinall last stepped into the Octagon. He captured the interim heavyweight title on November 11, 2023, now 558 days ago, but is still waiting for his shot at the undisputed championship. However, MMA veteran Matt Brown has advised him not to make the same mistake Michael Chandler did by sitting out too long.
Aspinall has been waiting on the sidelines, hoping for a title unification bout with Jon Jones. But with no indication of Jones’ return, July will mark a full year since Aspinall last competed. UFC veteran Brown urged him to stay active, warning against repeating Michael Chandler’s mistake of waiting too long for a fight with Conor McGregor. Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer via MMA Fighting, Brown said,
“I look at that just like the [Michael] Chandler situation with Conor [McGregor]. Just go fight, bro. If it’s true, then your case is going to get stronger and stronger. If you’re sitting on the sidelines, it doesn’t really help your case as much.”
Matt Brown advises Tom Aspinall to avoid same mistake Michael Chandler made: ‘Just go fight’ https://t.co/eo3bK0WxF7
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 25, 2025
Brown encouraged Aspinall to stay active, continue building his legacy, and maintain relevance, stressing that inactivity can stall a fighter’s momentum. Meanwhile, fans have noticed tension brewing online, as Jon Jones and Aspinall have been trading jabs on social media.
Jon Jones Claps Back After Tom Aspinall Says He Wants to Be the Real Champion
Jones has turned up the heat on Tom Aspinall, channeling classic Conor McGregor-style trash talk. With Aspinall growing frustrated over the wait for a title unification bout, Jones hit back after the Brit said he’s fine not fighting him. Firing off on social media, Jones snapped:
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“Shut your mouth and do as you’re told.”
oh my 👀 pic.twitter.com/IM5Qh7a7aI
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) May 23, 2025
While fans are fired up by the back-and-forth, there’s still no official word on the heavyweight title unification bout. Whether Aspinall chooses to wait for ‘Bones’ or moves on without him remains to be seen.
Also Read: UFC Veteran Feels Jon Jones Is Wearing Down Tom Aspinall Mentally
