Is Jon Jones Alienating Fans?

Jon Jones continues to hit back at critics who have become frustrated with his failure to face Tom Aspinall. 

Jones has only made one defense of his UFC Heavyweight Title, which he acquired after beating Cyril Gane at UFC 285. He defeated Stipe Miocic in that defense via a stoppage, increasing the pressure on him to face Aspinall. Aspinall is currently the longest interim champion ever in history. Aspinall knocked out Curtis Blaydes in his last fight at UFC 304, but he is closer to facing Jones. The latter has seen a petition go viral with over 100,000 signatures demanding that he be stripped of his belt.

Meanwhile, Jones’ own comments give conflicting narratives over whether he wants the Aspinall fight. He has said a win over Tom does nothing for his legacy while also stating that he will face anyone for the right amount of money. Jones has now increased the tension by mocking those who want him stripped.

Jones Reacts

"Just wrapped up the biggest seminar in Phuket history. Half the crowd flew in from the UK—how wild is that?! Massive shoutout to my guy Tom for all the free promo… couldn’t have done it without you. Seriously though, I’m beyond grateful for this brand new UK following. You guys showed up with so much love and energy, and I felt every bit of it. Let’s keep this momentum going—make sure to sign that petition today, we’re pushing 200k! How exciting," Jones said

MMA insiders have come out to suggest that Jones may be ducking. Daniel Cormier did not hold back on his words. He felt Jones could be afraid of getting stopped based on Aspinall’s form. Since his return from a knee injury against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall has stopped all of his opponents with three consecutive first-round KO wins, beating Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich and Blaydes in the rematch. Cormier could see Jones getting stopped as the fans have started to lose patience with Jones. 

"He’s not scared, make no mistake about it. But I think it’s enough to question. And you know what I think a big worry might be for him? With Aspinall, he could potentially get knocked out. Like, legitimately knocked out and put on his back out cold. I just don’t know that he wants to have that visual of him in the world. He’s knocked out a lot of guys and he’s never had —because I’ve seen myself get beat, and I’m like, ‘God, that’s such a horrible visual every time," Cormier said 

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