Aspinall’s Jones Fight Talks Never Became a Booking
In November 2024, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall said negotiations were underway for a possible fight with undisputed champion Jon Jones. That unification bout never happened. The title picture changed several times afterward, leaving the report’s question about Aspinall’s return with a very different answer than fans expected at the time.
The Jones fight never materialized
Aspinall had defended the interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024, stopping him in the first round. He was then waiting for a chance to face Jones, who held the undisputed championship. In June 2025, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jones had retired and that Aspinall would be promoted to undisputed champion.
Aspinall’s first defense of the undisputed title came against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025. An accidental eye poke left Aspinall unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest. The bout produced no winner and did not settle the heavyweight rivalry.
An eye injury changed the title picture
Aspinall later underwent treatment for ongoing eye problems and remained sidelined. On September 14, 2026, he vacated the heavyweight championship while continuing his recovery. The UFC subsequently promoted Gane to undisputed champion; Gane is scheduled to defend the belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
That means Aspinall is no longer the interim champion or current titleholder. As of October 14, 2026, there is no confirmed date for his return to MMA competition. His status depends on his recovery and his own decision about when he can safely resume fighting.
From negotiations to an open question
The 2024 video captures Aspinall discussing negotiations while a Jones matchup was still possible. The fight never came together: Jones retired, Aspinall inherited the title, and an eye injury interrupted his first defense before he later relinquished the belt. The next chapter is no longer about a scheduled unification bout; it is about whether and when Aspinall can return.
