For months, Jon Jones has flirted with both announcing his retirement and taking part in arguably the biggest fight in UFC heavyweight history, but his mind now seems to be made up.
Many believe ‘Bones’ has cemented himself as the greatest fighter of all time throughout his time in the octagon, but his legacy has taken a hit over the past two years. Having won the heavyweight crown in 2023, the 37-year-old has defended it just once, with some fans insisting he is ducking the young, hungry interim title holder to preserve his stature.
If Jon Jones is to accept Tom Aspinall’s fight proposal, it could be a defining moment in his illustrious career, but that doesn’t look probable.
After skating around the idea for months, Jones has shed further doubt on the bout ever happening.
“[How would I defeat Tom Aspinall?] By not giving him the chance.” Jones said in response to a fan on social media.
By not even giving him the chance https://t.co/4uDCTASQz8
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025
Instead of entertaining the fight talk with Aspinall, Jones urged the Brit to seek out a different opponent.
“Sh*t, I’m 37 years old now. My body hurts everywhere if I’m being honest. Funny how Tommy boy talks zero sh*t to the studs of his generation.”
“[He] barely even mentions their names.”
There’s an interesting take! Shit, I’m 37 years old now. My body hurts everywhere if I’m being honest. Funny how Tommy boy talks zero shit to the studs of his generation. Barely even mention their names. https://t.co/ruDCrZ4jcX
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025
In response to a question regarding Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane, Jones believes Aspinall could become too fixated on fighting him that he neglects the threat of other opponents and eventually loses.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised [if Gane beat Aspinall]. I see things like this happen all the time.”
“Fighter allows me to become their whole identity. They’re so focused on being the man, meanwhile, the competition is lurking. The big mouth gets bit in the ass.”
Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised. I see things like this happen all the time. Fighter allows me to become their whole identity. They’re so focused on being the man meanwhile, the competition is lurking. The big mouth gets bit in the ass. https://t.co/rfAhNmmukv
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025
Related: Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones is retired and it’s time to move on’
Jones continued.
“No, honestly, I wish Tommy no ill will. He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty.”
“My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest. I really don’t hate on other fighters, I’m usually just responding to their envy.”
No, honestly, I wish Tommy no ill will. He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty. My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest. I really don’t hate on other… https://t.co/cr38SjwCC6
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025