Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall drama issued brutal reality check by UFC Hall of Famer: "Losing steam"
The much-awaited title unification battle between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones is yet to be announced by the UFC. This has led to discussions among top figures in the MMA community, with UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen stating that fans may have started losing interest in the bout.
Since becoming the heavyweight champion, 'Bones' has defended his title only once and has often disregarded a potential matchup against Aspinall. As a result, the Brit is currently the longest-reigning interim champion in the promotion's history.
Jones, however, is willing to fight Aspinall, but only if he is offered a substantial paycheck to put his legacy on the line. During a recent appearance on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show, Sonnen condemned the drama surrounding the potential fight between Aspinall and Jones, stating:
"This fight is losing steam. Now, generally when you get a big fight that people want to see and at the night of Madison Square Garden, I think it was the biggest fight [in] our industry any way you want to do it. I think the biggest fight our industry could produce was Tom [Aspinall] vs. Jon [Jones]. I will just tell you by the numbers, it is losing steam."
He added:
"Now, my own theory is because the audience isn't getting behind something that they genuinely don't believe that they can ultimately get. I think they're losing faith that the match will happen."
Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (13:41):
Dana White is confident about the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout coming to fruition
Even though Jon Jones has constantly ignored Tom Aspinall as a worthy opponent, Dana White has always expressed his interest in booking their bout.
During the post-fight press conference following UFC on ESPN 66, the promotional frontman reiterated his interest in making the possible heavyweight title unification fight happen, saying:
"Everything you hear is bullsh*t until we say it. I've said it many times that is the fight we want to make this year. I'm still super confident."
Check out Dana White's comments on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall below: