Jon Jones' former opponent is confident a fight with Tom Aspinall is unavoidable: "I think there's multiple reasons for that"

The pressure for Jon Jones to eventually face Tom Aspinall continues to mount. Chael Sonnen, a former rival and opponent of the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, took to Instagram and put forth his reasons for why the Aspinall-Jones bout must happen. He also went on to suggest that a fight between the two is very likely, given the current landscape of the heavyweight division.

According to Sonnen, there are various reasons as to why he's confident the matchup will take place, despite most signs pointing to Jones' retirement. Currently, Jones is scheduled to face Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, and if he manages to successfully defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, many believe he will call it a day on his illustrious career.

Sonnen, however, begged to differ, and said:

"I don't believe this is going to be Jon's last fight. I don't believe there's a scenario that Jon Jones does not fight Tom Aspinall. I believe if Jon beats Stipe, he draws right into Tom Aspinall and doesn't flinch. But I know for sure if Jon loses to Stipe, Jon is going to draw right into Tom Aspinall, and he's not even going to flinch. In fact, it's going to be Jon's idea. I think there's multiple reasons for that."

Chief among the reasons Sonnen cited was Jones' obsession with his own legacy and perception. Given that many will criticize 'Bones' for avoiding Aspinall if he retires without ever facing him, Sonnen is certain that the fight will happen.

He added:

"But how you're remembered is something that you contributed so much to. You would like to be remembered. That's reasonable. That's human nature and Jon, while he is super, maybe he is special at a skill. Compared to other human beings, he is still a human being. Mark my words, you will see Jon in the octagon with Tom Aspinall."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall:

For now though, Aspinall will serve as the backup fighter for UFC 309, which plays host to Jones' fight with Miocic.

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Jon Jones has implied he won't fight Tom Aspinall

While Jon Jones hasn't outright ruled out a Tom Aspinall fight, he has implied that his bout with Miocic will be his last. Previously, he tweeted:

"I'm 37 years old now, I've kicked everyone's *ss. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather, and all the other retired bad asses."

While a bout with Aspinall is not out of the picture entirely, Jones has maintained his stance that he will retire after facing Miocic. As things stand, it's hard to predict if the two will square off.