UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones appears unfazed and content, irrespective of opinions concerning his career path.
The prominent fighter, renowned for his success in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, recently used an Instagram Live chat to address criticism directed at him. He specifically spoke to those labeling him a “duck” for seemingly avoiding a matchup with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones secured the vacant heavyweight belt in March 2023 following lineal champion Francis Ngannou`s departure from the UFC and defended it once against the retiring Stipe Miocic in November of the same year.
Interim titleholder Tom Aspinall boasts an impressive 8-1 record within the UFC`s heavyweight ranks. He also successfully defended his interim championship by defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, avenging his only loss inside the Octagon.
Responding directly to comments in the chat, Jones stated:
“I’ve got people in the chat calling me a ‘duck.’ Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life.”
He further dismissed the notion, adding:
“I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”
For his part, Aspinall has repeatedly expressed his strong desire to face Jones, whom he acknowledges as one of mixed martial arts` all-time greats. However, he has also made it clear he is ready to move on should the UFC decide on a different opponent for him. In a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Aspinall indicated his patience for the potential Jones fight is nearly exhausted.
Aspinall elaborated on his perspective regarding a fight with Jones:
“When you put him in there with, and I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet, but I’m literally the most dangerous guy in the UFC if you look at the stats. When you put him in with a guy of my size who has them credentials at this stage in his career, I think Jon’s a smart guy and realizes that, so he wants to be compensated financially for it.”
Concluding his thoughts on the prolonged situation, Aspinall stated:
“I’m well bored of [the Jones conversation]. I’ve had enough. We either need to fight, or I need to move on to something else.”
Marcus Blakely