Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight king and current UFC heavyweight champion, has once again indicated his intention to fight soon. He released a statement this week, assuring his supporters that “the story’s still being written” regarding his career.
This declaration comes despite Jones` inactivity since his victory over Stipe Miocic last November and a noticeable lack of movement towards booking a fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall is currently awaiting his next octagon appearance, potentially scheduled for 2025.
The situation has led to growing impatience and frustration among fans. While acknowledging Jones` legendary status and past achievements, many feel the current circumstances suggest a potential avoidance of a highly anticipated clash with Aspinall, which is seen as one of the biggest potential fights in MMA today. This perception has fueled significant online discussion and criticism from the fanbase.
Other Notable MMA Stories
Rising prospect Bo Nickal recently faced what was billed as his toughest test yet against Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division ONE champion, at UFC Des Moines. The fight did not go as planned for the highly hyped wrestling standout. De Ridder effectively utilized his grappling skills before securing a finish via strikes. This unexpected defeat for Nickal became a major talking point within the MMA community.
Lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett`s considerable weight fluctuation between fights continues to draw attention and debate among fans, who question how this frequent practice impacts his performance and long-term health.
Outside the octagon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is generating buzz for his upcoming role in “The Smashing Machine,” a biopic about MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, directed by Benny Safdie. Speculation is building around Johnson`s portrayal and the film`s potential to gain awards recognition.
Finally, the trend of MMA fighters participating in crossover boxing matches, often against opponents unfamiliar to the combat sports world, was also highlighted, with many fans expressing a lack of interest in these celebrity-driven contests.
