Tom Aspinall is done being patient. The UFC interim heavyweight champion has been waiting for his shot to unify the title with Jon Jones — and after more than a year of delays, he’s publicly calling time on the silence.
“I’ve waited long enough”
During a recent appearance on the High Performance podcast, Aspinall didn’t hold back. Asked about the stalled title unification fight, he responded with quiet frustration. “It’s money,” he said bluntly. “I’ll fight him anytime, anywhere. But he’s not saying yes — and it’s because of money.”
The 31-year-old British fighter has now held the interim belt since November 2023, when he stopped Sergei Pavlovich in the first round. He defended the title last summer at UFC 304 against Curtis Blaydes in dominant fashion. Since then, he’s been in limbo.
Despite sitting atop the division, Aspinall has watched as Jones — the reigning champion — has yet to commit to a return. And after months of silence, he’s starting to run out of patience.
Face-to-face with the UFC brass
Aspinall recently met with UFC executive Hunter Campbell in London. But even that face-to-face didn’t move the needle. “We spoke, and he said he’d keep me posted,” Aspinall shared. “That was weeks ago. Still nothing.”
He’s not the only one feeling the pressure. Aspinall’s father and head coach, Andy Aspinall, has also expressed frustration with the UFC’s lack of clarity. “It’s not just about Tom waiting,” he said earlier this year. “It’s about keeping the division moving.”
What’s holding the fight up?
Jon Jones hasn’t spoken much publicly, but sources inside the UFC suggest that the holdup centers around financial demands. After multiple injuries and a long layoff, the 36-year-old champion is reportedly seeking a sizable purse to take on the younger, more active Aspinall.
“Look, I get it,” Aspinall admitted. “Jon’s been doing this a long time. His body’s taken a beating. He probably wants to make sure the payday is worth the risk. But at some point, you’ve got to defend your title or move on.”
Dana White weighs in
UFC President Dana White has stayed cautious in his comments. “Everything you hear is bulls**** until we say it,” he told reporters last month. “We want the fight. We’re working on it. That’s all I’ll say.”
But Aspinall isn’t so sure that’s enough. “I’ve done everything they asked me to do,” he said. “I’ve stayed ready. I’ve said yes to every fight. And now? I’m just waiting. Still.”
Is Aspinall ready to move on?
For the first time, the interim champ has hinted he might be ready to let go of the Jones matchup if it means getting back in the cage. “I can’t wait forever,” he said. “If Jon’s not coming back, then I’ll defend against the next guy in line. I didn’t come this far to sit on the shelf.”
Among the names floated: Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida, and a potential rematch with Curtis Blaydes. None offer the legacy-defining moment that a win over Jon Jones would provide but at this point, Aspinall seems more interested in fighting than waiting.
What’s next?
For now, the ball appears to be in Jones’ court. But if the champion continues to stall, the UFC may be forced to act. Whether that means stripping Jones of the undisputed title or elevating Aspinall from interim status remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: Tom Aspinall is ready. And if Jon Jones isn’t — someone else will be.
