Jon Jones Isn’t Fighting Tom Aspinall Right Now

The UFC heavyweight division is buzzing, and if you’re a fan of mixed martial arts, you’ve probably wondered why Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall haven’t squared off yet. Well, Daniel Cormier, the former UFC champion and a man who knows the heavyweight game better than most, has weighed in on the situation, offering a detailed and somewhat cheeky analysis of why this matchup is not happening—at least not right now.

A Tale of Two Heavyweights

First, let’s set the stage. Jon Jones, widely considered the greatest fighter in MMA history, is back in the heavyweight fold after years of dominance in the light-heavyweight division. His recent performance against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 proved that even after a three-year layoff, Jones is still a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, Tom Aspinall, the British knockout artist, has been making waves in the division, showcasing his technical prowess and lightning-fast reflexes.

In any other era, a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown would be the stuff of dreams. But according to Cormier, there’s a reason this fight isn’t on the horizon just yet.

“The Timing’s Not right.”

Daniel Cormier, who’s no stranger to the complexities of UFC matchmaking, believes that right now, a Jones-Aspinall fight doesn’t make much sense. “Jon Jones is the best in the world, and while Aspinall is certainly a top contender, we have to understand the stakes here,” Cormier said. He went on to explain that while Aspinall has the talent and potential to be a future champ, he needs a bit more seasoning before stepping in with a fighter of Jones’ caliber.

This takes us to the big picture. Cormier emphasized that Jones is looking for the biggest challenges, and that’s why he’s focusing on names like Stipe Miocic and even a rematch with Francis Ngannou (if the “Predator” ever returns to the UFC). Aspinall, despite his impressive performances, is still developing his game and building the momentum needed to challenge a legend like Jones.

The UFC Strategy: Slow and Steady

Cormier also hinted at the strategic side of UFC matchmaking. The organization tends to build a fighter’s hype and profile before throwing them into a megafight.  Aspinall is a rising star, but he’s not quite a pay-per-view headline machine yet. The UFC’s approach has always been about setting up fighters for big, financially lucrative matchups—and Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall doesn’t have the same box office allure at this moment as, say, Jones vs. Miocic.

This isn’t a knock on Aspinall’s abilities. Cormier noted that he’s a tremendous talent who could very well be the future of the division. However, the stars need to align in terms of timing, fight-building, and, let’s face it, fan interest.

Cormier’s Final Thoughts

So, why isn’t Jones vs. Aspinall happening now? According to Cormier, it’s simple: timing, strategy, and the need for Aspinall to build more of a name for himself. This doesn’t mean it will never happen, but it’s clear that the UFC, as always, is playing the long game.

As MMA fans, we might have to wait a bit longer to see this potential clash of titans, but when it does happen, you can bet it’ll be worth the wait. Until then, we’ll just have to keep watching as both Jones and Aspinall make their moves in the UFC’s heavyweight division. And if you’re a betting man, take Cormier’s advice: the future is bright for Aspinall, but the road to Jon Jones requires a few more steps.