Jon Jones piles on Tom Aspinall following UFC heavyweight title exit

Jon Jones has publicly criticized Tom Aspinall's decision to vacate the UFC heavyweight title following his title defense against Ciryl Gane, which ended in a no-contest due to repeated eye pokes in the first round. Aspinall announced he would relinquish the belt without external pressure from the UFC, citing concerns over ongoing complications with his right eye that could affect future competition.

Jones disagreed with Aspinall's reasoning, agreeing with social media speculation that Aspinall feared a rematch with Gane, who currently holds the interim heavyweight title. When an X user suggested Aspinall lacked confidence in a potential second fight against the Frenchman, Jones responded with "My sentiments exactly." He further piled on by commenting "Ouch" when another user questioned whether Aspinall deserved the undisputed title in the first place.

Jones also highlighted the contrast between his own response to foul play and Aspinall's. When an account pointed out that Jones faced a similar foul from Gane during their heavyweight title fight but quickly finished the bout, Jones endorsed the comparison with "Dude you are on fire." The former two-division champion's jabs suggest he views Aspinall's vacating decision as a retreat rather than a prudent health measure, further fueling the ongoing tension between the UFC's heavyweight elite.