“Fighting Everyone But Tom” – Fans Turn On Jon Jones After Russian TUF Antics Trigger Backlash Over Tom Aspinall Fight Delay

What can we say about Jon ‘Bones’ Jones? More importantly, what can we not say about him? Once a prodigy who ascended through the UFC rankings with unparalleled skill, Jones’ legacy was once synonymous with dominance and greatness. However, recent developments suggest a shift in this narrative, as Jones appears to sidestep a unification bout with the interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, raising eyebrows over his commitment to the sport’s competitive spirit.

The British MMA sensation, Aspinall, has been the interim-heavyweight champion since 2023, and fans and veterans since then have only speculated about a clash between the two. Nowadays, however, it seems the G.O.A.T. status of ‘Jonny Bones’ can no longer affect the mood and feelings of the fans for the better. A fight that can be the largest spectacle isn’t the only thing being stalled; the heavyweight division itself is stuck with this dilemma, as there is no progression or shift in future contenders or champions. This demeanor of Jones towards the division has left the fans with a bitter taste in their mouths for the UFC heavyweight champion.

On his path towards the Octagon and Aspinall, Jones has been busy with his side quests, traveling to exotic locations, and collaborating with artists. This time, he ended up with an undefeated Kyrgyzstan bare-knuckle boxer, Samat Abdyrakhmanov, while shooting for a reality show in Thailand. As he leaves behind the pen and paper for the Aspinall fight, fans left just harsh and funny messages against the former light-heavyweight champion of the UFC.

Alongside the video of Bones and Abdyrakhmanov sparring, the caption read, “Former UFC light heavyweight champion and current UFC heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones recently got some work in with undefeated Kyrgyzstan bare knuckle boxer Samat Abdyrakhmanov while filming a reality show in Thailand.” Turns out, the American MMA phenom pulled another swerve on fight fans earlier this week when it was revealed that the heavyweight champion of the UFC would train a team on the Alf Reality MMA show opposite the iconic Nate Diaz.

But he just won’t take the fight against Aspinall. Fans, with each passing day, are getting more and more furious with Jones. Arguably, the greatest of all time isn’t only taking years off a rising prospect’s career, but also tarnishing his legacy as well. Many who once loved and admired the MMA great had nothing but harsh words for him.

Fans unite to remind Jon Jones to face Tom Aspinall first

You can imagine the frustration of the MMA community. It’s not like Jones is suffering from an injury or going through a difficult time. At present, ‘Jonny Bones’ feels like he’s on top of the world, and he has every reason to. His light-heavyweight run was enough to convince us of his greatness, but then his jump to heavyweight and beating Ciryl Gane for the belt left the whole world deeply in awe of the fighter. However, Jones last fought in November 2024 against Stipe Miocic. Even then, he chose to fight an out-of-his-prime’ Stipe over Aspinall, a fight the fans didn’t wanna see; they wanted the British heavyweight there instead.

“Doing anything but defending the belt against the interim champ.” With comments like these, fans tried to give Jones a hard time for his ventures outside the UFC, while another fan commented, “Tom laughing at this.” Some fans even pointed out that the 37-year-old Jones’ striking might have slowed down, something Aspinall will gladly take advantage of, saying, “Unk ain’t got that reflex anymore. Aspinal in 1.” Another fan reacting to the video said, “I now see why he doesn’t wanna fight Tom.”

One fan even quoted the legendary Nate Diaz, who will stand opposite Jones in the Russian TUF equivalent, for avoiding Aspinall, saying, “Stop playing touchbutt with those dorks in the park, and fight Aspinall.” Another joined in on a new wave of fans wanting Jones to be stripped off the belt for avoiding competition for so long. The fan commented, “ANYTHING but defending the title … STRIP HIM.”

So, will the UFC strip Jones of the belt? While there is little chance of that happening soon, will this finally compel him to compete against Aspinall? After all, that is what both Dana White and the fans want. The only question is, how long will we have to wait before we finally see Tom Aspinall’s David clash against Jon Jones’ Goliath? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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