Ex-UFC champ explains why Jon Jones must face Tom Aspinall, talks 'Bones' potentially fighting Alex Pereira: "He's definitely the biggest threat"

A former UFC champion believes Jon Jones needs to face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall if he wants to solidify his legacy as a “proper double champion.”

Jones, who is set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 this weekend, has been questioned by fans for avoiding a potential matchup with Aspinall.

Originally scheduled to fight Miocic last year at UFC 295, Jones was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Aspinall's rapid rise included impressive wins since joining the UFC in 2020, but a knee injury during a 2022 fight against Curtis Blaydes had fans concerned.

However, he returned with a dominant performance against Marcin Tybura and later won the interim belt by stopping Sergei Pavlovich. Earlier this year, Aspinall successfully defended the interim title by beating Curtis Blaydes.

Appearing in a recent YouTube video on his channel, Alexander Volkanovski argued that for Jones to be recognized as the "true heavyweight champ", he must face Aspinall:

“It's going to be hard to convince me you're defending champ if you don't fight Tom Aspinall, while he's the interim champ. Does Jon Jones even need to do this now? He's already got an incredible legacy. But if you want to claim the heavyweight division, say, you're the you know, you are a proper double champ. I think he [Aspinall] is definitely the biggest threat. The wrestling, everywhere, he could be, you know, dangerous everywhere. And he's a legit heavyweight. Right.”

Further sharing his thoughts on Jones' interest in a potential Alex Pereira fight, he said:

"Pereira is a massive name right now, so maybe that's what he's chasing. And he's clever. He knows Tom goes away being a threat. But you know what he gets out of beating [Aspinall]... that would be huge right now. But when you talk of money, star power, a win over Pereira right now would be massive that's probably one of the biggest fights you could do right now."

Check out Alexander Volkanovski's comments below:

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Jon Jones weighs in on Tom Aspinall's future in the UFC

Despite ruling out the prospect of facing him in the Octagon, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently acknowledged Tom Aspinall's talent and potential during an interview with ESPN MMA.

Jones shared his thoughts on the British fighter’s career, recognizing Aspinall’s accomplishments thus far and the promise he holds. He said:

"I'm aware of Tom [Aspinall] and the work he's put in or lack thereof and I think he could have a tremendous future in the UFC but when you've been around this long, you realize that people are here today and gone tomorrow."

Check out Jon Jones' comments below (7:42):