Jon Jones shares brutally honest response to "duck" allegations in now-deleted X post: "My world is over"

Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall has intensified as a narrative, prompting 'Bones' to lash out at his critics. The renewed rhetoric stems from a recent interview the UFC heavyweight champion took part in, where he spoke to veteran combat sports journalist Kevin Iole.

According to Jones, Aspinall is not on his radar, and the only fighter he would be willing to face after facing Stipe Miocic is light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira. Naturally, fans eager to see a heavyweight unification bout were left frustrated by Jones, accusing him of avoiding Aspinall.

This led to Jones penning a dismissive response on X. While he later, as he often does, deleted the tweet, it was captured by several accounts.

"I'm going to hide in my mansion and not come outside, people are calling me a duck come oh no my world is over. What is this high school? lol."

Jones' continued dismissal of Aspinall, despite the latter's capture and defense of UFC interim heavyweight gold, has only grated fans. The Englishman has been on a stellar run of form, finishing his last three opponents within a minute of round one, including Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes.

Unfortunately, despite his attempts at goading Jones into fighting him, he seems destined to see out the rest of his career without ever sharing the octagon with one of the sport's greatest fighters. Jones, meanwhile, is focused only on adding Miocic's name to his record, given his status as an all-time great heavyweight.

UFC CEO Dana White, however, is of a different mind, believing that neither Jones nor Miocic will retire without facing Aspinall.

---

Jon Jones subsequently issued a more measured response

After deleting his initial response to fan criticism, Jon Jones took to X with a more mature response. While he still exhibited little to no interest in facing Tom Aspinall, he shifted attention to his legacy, stating that every decision he makes is for its benefit.

"As at this point in my career, every decision is rooted in purpose. My journey isn't dictated by hype or outside opinions—it's about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I'm here to do what's right for my career and legacy, with a vision that's clear and unshakable. Focused, driven, and in complete control of myself. The story continues, and it's unfolding exactly as I've envisioned."

Next Saturday at UFC 309, Jones will have his chance at possibly retiring on top as he defends his heavyweight title against the division's former king, Stipe Miocic.