Jon Jones has harshly criticized Tom Aspinall as the highly anticipated heavyweight title unification fight between them continues to be delayed.
The potential mega-fight involving the 37-year-old Jones and the 32-year-old Aspinall has been under discussion since November of last year.
However, despite the UFC agreeing to meet Jones` significant financial demands, the bout has still not materialized.
MMA enthusiasts are becoming increasingly frustrated by the situation, which has left Aspinall sidelined for nearly a year.
After announcing an upcoming training seminar in Thailand, Jones posted a provocative message aimed at his critics and Aspinall.
Commenting on a joint Instagram post with Bangtao MMA, he wrote: “Everything but fighting.”
His comment angered fight fans, with one replying: “Fight Tom Aspinall, you duck.”
Another commented: “At least you know you`re ducking.”
And a third added: “Well, at least you`re aware of that, duck.”
Someone else noted: “Literally everything except fighting Tom.”
Another user chimed in: “That`s fine, we all know who the real champ is.”
Jones` remark on social media came less than two days after UFC President Dana White *guaranteed* that Jones would eventually face Aspinall in the octagon.
During an Instagram Live session, the long-time promoter stated: “We`ll get Aspinall vs Jones done.”
He added: “The heavyweight fight will happen. Just relax, I`ll announce that soon.”
Jones, a Hall of Famer, has been bothered by accusations that he is “ducking” Aspinall, leading him to address fans directly on his own Instagram Live.
He commented: “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck. Meanwhile, I`m living my absolute best life.”
He continued: “I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”
Jones` statements regarding the “ducking” claims followed his public *rejection* of retirement rumors and his assertion that his peak performance is “yet to come”.
In an Instagram post showing a room in his home decorated with posters from his past fights, he wrote: “Now, as you can see… still haven’t framed or hung the Stipe fight yet.”
He added: “Been moving a million miles an hour lately. But there’s one last perfect spot left on my wall of victory.”
“And looking at this wall,” he reflected, “it really hits me. This isn’t just artwork.”
“It’s legacy. Every poster tells a story. Different chapters.”
Different homes. Different battles. Wins that meant the world at the time. Fights that made history.
“I’ve said it before, my career hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been undeniably legendary. Epic. Special.”
“Just a few words that come to mind. Legend after legend. Era after era.”
“What I’m most proud of? I’ve evolved. I’m so much more than just a fighter.”
“I’m a man growing stronger in my faith, a family man, a loyal brother to my team, a businessman, a leader, a man for my community.”
“And I know – without a doubt – my mother would be proud of the man I’ve become.”
“The wall’s almost filled… but trust me, the story’s still being written.”
“The best is yet to come.”
Percy Harlow