Jon Jones shuts down rumors of dodging Tom Aspinall, says he's not fighting "random" contenders

Jon Jones has not returned to the octagon since defeating Ciryl Gane via first-round submission at UFC 285 last March. The heavyweight champion had been set to defend his title for the first time at UFC 295 in November, however, he was forced to withdraw from the bout after tearing the tendon that connects his pectoral muscle to the bone.

His injury allowed Tom Aspinall to capture the interim heavyweight title, which he has since defended as he angles for a unification bout. 'Bones' addressed a resurfaced video of him discussing retirement, and tweeted:

"I guess there was a video that resurfaced recently of me saying that after Stipe, Francis was the only fight I was interested in. That video was recorded well over a year ago. That was recorded before I got injured, before there was an intern champion crowned. I had already voiced that I wasn’t interested in any more randoms."

Jones continued:

"Now magically I’m ducking a fight that’s never been negotiated or discussed at any table that matters. Lol I’m sticking to my plans, Jon Jones jumps for no one. How many belts does one need? How many times do I have to break my own record?"

Check out Jon Jones' response to claims he is ducking Tom Aspinall below:

While Aspinall has a rightful claim to the next title opportunity, it is important to note that contracts for Jones' planned bout with Miocic were signed before he captured the interim heavyweight belt. The two are expected to clash at UFC 309 in November.

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Jon Jones addresses retirement in a resurfaced video

While Tom Aspinall has angled for the opportunity to face Jon Jones, the heavyweight champion appears content with sticking with his plan to retire after facing Stipe Miocic. Ahead of their planned UFC 295 bout and his eventual injury, 'Bones' revealed that it would likely be his last trip to the octagon.

Speaking to Fox Sports Australia while visiting the nation in May 2023, Jones stated:

"I think the Stipe fight will be plenty for me. I feel like I don't really have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I've been in the game a long time, and in fighter years, I'm an old guy. I've been training for a long time, I've been in the game for a long time and got some small injuries. I just really want to be around. I want to be around for my family. I want to be around for my kids."

Check out Jon Jones' comments on retirement below (starting at the 2:00 mark):

Jones noted, at the time, that Francis Ngannou was the one opponent he would be willing to put off his retirement plans to face. It is unclear if those plans will change with Aspinall having captured the interim heavyweight title.