Blachowicz questions Jon Jones’ willingness to face Tom Aspinall

Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has cast doubt on the likelihood of a highly anticipated UFC clash between reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.

Blachowicz believes that Jones, who claimed the heavyweight belt in 2023 and successfully defended it against Stipe Miocic in late 2024, may be avoiding Aspinall due to the Englishman’s impressive rise in the division.

Aspinall has solidified his status as a top contender with dominant first-round victories over Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes, earning the interim heavyweight title along the way.

Despite this, Jones has shown more interest in a potential fight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira rather than a showdown with Aspinall.

“I think [Jon Jones] does this because Alex Pereira is now a big star in the UFC,” Blachowicz said.

“Everybody knows him. He knows what he’s doing. But I believe he should fight against Aspinall, but I think he’s a little bit afraid of him.”

Blachowicz pointed to Aspinall’s all-around skills, including his grappling and power, as reasons why Jones might be hesitant to take on the challenge.

“Because Aspinall is someone who can really stop him and beat him,” Blachowicz continued.

“With Aspinall, it will be not so easy. It would be a very tough fight for Jon Jones with Aspinall.”

While no fight has been officially announced, UFC sportsbooks have already released early odds for a potential matchup.

Aspinall is currently listed as the favourite, paying -128.21 to hand Jones his first loss in the Octagon.

Blachowicz hinted that Jones may be aware of the risks involved in facing Aspinall, which could explain his lack of enthusiasm for the fight.

“That’s why he doesn’t talk too much about Aspinall,” Blachowicz added.

“But we will see. Maybe they’ve got some plans for them. Maybe they are waiting; money will be bigger, and they take the fight.”

For now, the UFC world waits to see whether Jones will accept the challenge of Aspinall or continue to focus on other opponents, leaving fans eager for a clash that could define the heavyweight division in 2025.

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