Jon Jones Requests 6-Month Camp for Aspinall Fight – Here’s Why It’s Fair

Original Photo: MMA Fighting, Getty Images

Published by: Valdemar Carnegie

Updated: 7:00 PM EST, April 23, 2025

The UFC may be on the verge of booking one of its biggest heavyweight fights in years, as reports say Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have agreed to a title unification bout. Jones, the reigning champion, would face interim titleholder Aspinall in a matchup fans have been waiting for since Aspinall won the interim belt in November 2023. Rumors were pointing to the fight possibly taking place during International Fight Week on June 28 in Las Vegas, but that was before recent news.

Jones’ Training Camp Request Adds to Fan Frustration

The excitement around the reported fight between Jones and Aspinall has slowed after news surfaced that Jones asked for a six-month training camp. This could push the bout back later than expected, with some guessing it might happen in November at Madison Square Garden. The delay has added to fans’ frustration after months of waiting and uncertainty. On social media, many have shared their disappointment, saying Jones is slowing things down and hurting Aspinall’s chance to make history. The longer wait has only made fans more eager for the UFC to confirm the fight and give them the matchup they’ve been asking for.

Ben Askren recently spoke with Daniel Cormier about the situation: “Jon Jones is saying, ‘Well, I want six months, but if you’re gonna make it four months, then I’m gonna need a little more money.'” Askren then spoke on UFC President Dana White’s approach to managing fighters: “Dana has made a point over, I mean, this has been the last 15 years of trying to almost like quell the stars, trying to not let the stars get too big.”

Askren continued, discussing past disputes involving UFC stars: “You have a Francis Ngannou, which was a very ugly dispute, you had Conor McGregor, you’ve had the Diaz brothers, you know, you’ve had many people.” He then explained that he understands why Jones would ask for six months of preparation if he’s not being paid extra for a short-notice fight.

Jones and Aspinall bring contrasting styles to the octagon. Jones, a versatile fighter, blends elite wrestling, precise striking, and unorthodox techniques like spinning elbows and oblique kicks. His 84.5-inch reach and fight IQ allow him to adapt mid-fight, exploiting weaknesses with precision. Aspinall, on the other hand, is an explosive finisher, relying on rapid footwork and devastating knockouts. His 78-inch reach and jiu-jitsu black belt make him a threat both standing and on the ground. The clash between Jones’ cerebral, methodical approach and Aspinall’s aggressive, high-output style promises an exciting, high-stakes fight.

This caution contrasts with Aspinall’s willingness to fight on shorter notice, as seen in his interim title win over Sergei Pavlovich. While Jones’ extended camps are strategically sound, they risk stalling the division, especially against a younger, more aggressive fighter.