UFC: GSP urges Aspinall to stay sharp as Jones delay continues

UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre has called on interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to keep his focus as uncertainty continues to surround his long-delayed title clash with belt holder Jon Jones.

Aspinall has held the interim title since November 2024, when he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in just over a minute at UFC 295.

He most recently fought in Manchester at UFC 304, earning another first-round knockout over Curtis Blaydes after entering the bout as a heavy favorite across leading bookmakers.

Despite his dominance, the Brit still has no official timeline to face Jones, with UFC president Dana White stating only that the bout will take place sometime in 2025.

With no date locked in, multiple reports suggest the UFC may ask Aspinall to defend his interim belt again mid-year. Potential opponents include former title challenger Ciryl Gane and rising contender Jailton Almeida.

The lack of clarity around the division led St-Pierre to weigh in during an interview with Ariel Helwani this week.

“I think Tom, he needs to focus on the next task,” the former dual-division champion said.

“I remember when I lost to Matt Serra, I was making the mistake of trying to focus on Matt Serra to try and get my revenge immediately.

“And if he is only focusing on Jon Jones, and if Jon Jones does not come back right away, he’s not focusing on the right thing.

“He needs to focus on what is next, the next path. Because the rest, it’s a distraction.”

Jones, who last competed at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic, remains sidelined with a pectoral injury and has yet to confirm his return.

Despite all the uncertainty, UFC betting sites have Aspinall listed as a -142.86 favorite to win the projected matchup with Jones, whose +110 underdog price reflects concerns over his inactivity and recent injuries.

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