According to former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen, the much-anticipated showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is essentially a done deal.
Sonnen claims the principle agreement for the UFC heavyweight championship unification bout between the two stars has been reached, and the promotion already has a specific date in mind for the event.
Appearing on “Good Guy / Bad Guy” alongside co-host Daniel Cormier, Sonnen expressed his certainty: “I am confident enough to tell you that fight is done. That fight is agreed, all the way down to the date.” While suggesting International Fight Week would be a logical fit, he personally felt the fight might take place in New York.
Jon Jones initially captured the heavyweight title by quickly submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Following a significant injury layoff of nearly two years, “Bones” was slated to defend his belt against Stipe Miocic.
Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall secured the interim heavyweight title with a rapid first-round knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023. Aspinall went on to successfully defend his interim championship in another swift performance, defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 this past July.
Since Aspinall earned the interim strap, fans have eagerly awaited a unification bout against Jones. Disappointment followed when the UFC proceeded with scheduling Jones against Miocic, leading many fans and pundits to suggest Jones was “ducking” Aspinall or prioritizing a perceived easier fight. Sonnen, however, presents a different view, suggesting Jones` public actions have been part of a deliberate strategy.
Sonnen clarified, “This Jon Jones business… Jones will say a lot of things to the media.” He stressed that when the UFC contacts Jones with an offer, his private response is simply “Yes.”
“All of the other reports are not true,” Sonnen asserted. He believes Jones intentionally engages in “trolling” and public negotiation. Sonnen firmly denied the accusations of avoidance: “Jon Jones has not ducked this fight… He did not duck Tom Aspinall.”
Wesley Dunham