Jon Jones is the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, having successfully defended his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. He has been a dominant force in mixed martial arts (MMA) for years and is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
On the other hand, Tom Aspinall holds the interim heavyweight title and has been vocal about his desire to unify the belts with Jones since winning his interim championship.
According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Jon Jones requires at least six months of preparation once the fight is officially confirmed1. This means that if they were to sign contracts today, fans might not see this matchup until September 2025 at the earliest.
Initially, there was hope for a summer showdown between Jones and Aspinall, potentially at UFC 317 scheduled for June . However, with Jones’ demand for an extended training camp, this timeline is now in jeopardy.
Tom Aspinall has expressed growing impatience regarding the negotiations and delays surrounding this fight. He stated that he is ready to compete whenever called upon but is tired of waiting for confirmation on a date.
Jones has also indicated that financial compensation plays a role in his willingness to fight Aspinall. He reportedly seeks “f**k you money” to take on what he perceives as a risky matchup against a formidable opponent like Aspinall.
Jon Jones wants six months to prepare for his fight against Tom Aspinall, which complicates potential timelines for their bout significantly.
With both fighters eager to solidify their legacies within the sport, fans are left waiting anxiously for official announcements regarding when this highly anticipated clash will finally take place.