The UFC has been pushing for a unification fight between their two heavyweight champions, Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, since November.  However, Jones has made it clear he isn't keen on the matchup.  Over 184, 000 people have signed a petition to strip Jones of his title due to this apparent standoff.  But Jones seems determined to avoid a fight with Aspinall.

Jones returned to the United States after filming a reality TV show in Thailand.  Despite jet lag, he took to social media to engage with fans.  One fan asked why he wouldn't fight Aspinall if he didn't think much of him.  Jones used his quick submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 as an example.  He recalled the criticism he faced before that fight.  Many thought Gane would be too fast and too big for Jones.  The French fans and casual viewers were convinced Gane was the future of the heavyweight division.  But Jones showed up and won.  After that, there was silence.

It seems Jones doesn't believe he'll get the credit he deserves for beating Aspinall.  So, he's choosing not to fight the Englishman.  Earlier this week, Aspinall claimed Jones is retired, sending the MMA world into a spin.  Jones appeared to confirm his retirement during a fan Q&A session on X.  He claimed to have gone out on top in response to a fan who suggested he was scared of Aspinall.  Jones tweeted that it had nothing to do with fear.  He asked his close friends and family how much higher he could climb in the sport.  His goal is to build a brand and become more than just an athlete.  Many fans and fighters aren't used to seeing someone go out on top like Jones has.  He understands it's uncomfortable, but he doesn't expect everyone to understand.

FIGHT REFUSAL

Why Jones is not interested in facing Aspinall

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