Tom Aspinall had long awaited a chance to face former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Although Dana White had reassured fans that the fight would take place, it ultimately fell through due to Jones’ retirement. During a UFC press conference, White confirmed that ‘Bones’ is officially retired. Despite the disappointment, the English fighter still described Jones’ career as legendary.
After Jones announced his retirement, White wasted no time in naming Aspinall the new heavyweight champion. But for Aspinall, Jones doesn’t need titles or applause to prove his greatness. In a recent chat on The Diary of a CEO, Aspinall shared a heartfelt message, saying that if Jones is tuning in to watch him fight, he hopes the former champ realizes just how special his own journey has been.
“If he’s watching me, I think he’s had an amazing career. If he truly feels like he’s done enough, which he keeps saying he does, he’ll be at peace. He doesn’t need me or anybody else to tell him how good he’s done. I hope he’s celebrating his career because it’s been amazing,” Aspinall said.
Tom Aspinall says Jon Jones doesn’t need validation from anyone and hopes he's celebrating his legendary career 🐐🔥
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 26, 2025
"If he's watching me, I think he's had an amazing career. If he truly feels like he's done enough, which he keeps saying he does, he'll be at peace. He doesn't… pic.twitter.com/4nzXq4e028
Meanwhile, the heavyweight champion said he will carry the division forward—a responsibility he feels Jon Jones had put on hold. With the spotlight now on him, Aspinall’s next fight is shaping up to be one that fans will eagerly watch.
Tom Aspinall Plans To Step Into The Octagon Two More Times This Year
Aspinall held the interim heavyweight title for over a year, during which fans and many in the MMA community called for a showdown between him and Jon ‘Bones’ Jones. But with Jones announcing his retirement, Aspinall was officially named the current heavyweight champion. Following the announcement, Aspinall revealed his intention to stay active, aiming to fight twice before the year ends. In a recent interview on The Diary of a CEO, he said,
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“I’m gonna be fighting hopefully twice this year. I have wasted enough time now. We’re looking to get a fight booked quick, and it’s looking like it’s gonna be pretty soon. I would like to fight at the end of the year as well.”
Who Aspinall will face next remains a big question for fans. In the meantime, the heavyweight champion is actively searching for an opponent and is eager to sign a new fight contract as soon as possible.
