Jon Jones currently holds the 'undisputed' UFC heavyweight title, whilst Tom Aspinall has laid claim to the interim title. A clash between the pair is arguably the most sought-after of any matchup across the UFC roster, and negotiations for the bout are currently ongoing.
With 'Bones' having looked largely unbeatable in his 17-year UFC career, some fans and pundits believe Aspinall could be the American's toughest matchup to date.
But according to UFC women's flyweight Diana Belbita, the interim heavyweight champion has little chance of toppling Jones. During a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA's Giancarlo Aulino, Belbita discussed the potential clash, stating:
"I will never go against Jon Jones, don't tell me anything. I started this sport with Jones as champion and I can't see it differently. How is Aspinall gonna beat Jones? Yeah, Aspinall is going to be a champ. He's going to be for a long time... Once Jones retires, yes... But right now, I don't think [Aspinall] can beat him."
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Catch Diana Belbita discuss Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall below (2:10):
With Jones having defended his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, which took place after Aspinall had already defended his interim title, many fans have accused him of avoiding a title unification bout with the Brit. Aspinall himself has also accused Jones of "ducking" him.
Colby Covington echoes Tom Aspinall's "ducking" accusations against Jon Jones
Colby Covington believes that Jon Jones is avoiding a fight with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. 'Chaos' previously attended the same college as Jones, with the pair having been roommates at one time. But their friendship has since collapsed.
Covington has taken to verbally attacking his former friend since their fallout, and during a recent interview with MMA coach Tim Welch, the welterweight contender discussed Jones' potential clash with Aspinall.
Welch asked Covington for his thoughts on the fight taking place, and he responded:
"They're definitely trying to make it happen. But you heard that interview with Aspinall yesterday. He was like, 'Dude, I'm done talking about Jon'. They're not getting this fight done... Jon's ducking, and he's trying to ask for an unreasonable price. You can't be asking for $40–$50 million when you don't draw money to the company like that. I think he's going to end up retiring before he fights Aspinall."
Catch Covington's comments on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall below (18:40):