Jon Jones made the right choice by not fighting Tom Aspinall, according to a prominent UFC figure.
This perspective comes after the UFC Heavyweight Champion`s recent retirement at age 37, following which UFC CEO Dana White declared interim titleholder Tom Aspinall the new undisputed champion.
Jones, widely considered among the greatest fighters ever, surprised the MMA world with his decision. While he has hinted at potentially returning for a specific high-profile event, the retired two-division champion has often faced accusations of avoiding a confrontation with Aspinall, who has been highly dominant in the heavyweight division.
However, not everyone agrees that Aspinall was the reason behind Jones`s retirement.
Chito Vera Believes Jon Jones Isn`t Afraid of Tom Aspinall
Marlon “Chito” Vera, a top contender in the bantamweight division, is one who dismisses the idea that Jones retired out of fear of Aspinall. Jones, who will turn 38 later this year, has achieved an unparalleled list of accolades, including holding the record for the most days as the UFC`s pound-for-pound king.
Despite Jones not unifying the title against Aspinall, Vera maintains that “Bones” completed his career having achieved “everything.”
When asked on the Makeshift Podcast if he thought Jon Jones was scared to fight Tom Aspinall, Vera responded, “No.”
“He doesn’t need to fight Aspinall,” Vera stated. “He did everything. He fought in his prime. He won the belt—the youngest ever.”
“He has never lost the belt. Few incidents outside [the Octagon], but no one’s perfect, so that’s on him.”
“He’s solid. He should retire whenever he wants,” Vera asserted regarding Jones`s decision.
“Because most people lose seven in a row, and then [people go] mister, come on, you should retire. He’s doing everything right, so everybody that is against that [can think what they want].”
In contrast to Vera`s view, former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards previously predicted that Aspinall would defeat Jones if they were to face off.
Tony Ferguson`s Struggles and Boxing Move Draw Concern
Vera`s comments contrasting Jones with fighters who continue losing resonate with the situation of Tony Ferguson. While certainly not “most people,” the legendary lightweight has faced a difficult period, losing his last eight fights.
Ferguson`s career took a dramatic turn after his impressive 12-fight winning streak at 155 lbs ended in 2020. Justin Gaethje`s TKO victory at UFC 249 marked the beginning of a long losing streak for the former interim lightweight champion, which eventually led to his departure from the UFC.
Now 41, Ferguson recently announced his intention to make his professional boxing debut on August 30th. This news has been met with significant concern from fans.
Fan reactions shared online include questions about potential long-term health issues and pleas for him to retire from combat sports altogether.
Percy Harlow