Jon Jones appears unbothered and smiling, regardless of opinions concerning his career path.
The current UFC heavyweight champion and highly regarded former light heavyweight contender recently used an Instagram Live session to address his critics. Specifically, he responded to those who have labeled him a “duck” for seemingly avoiding a fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones claimed the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 after the departure of lineal champion Francis Ngannou from the UFC and successfully defended it once against the retiring Stipe Miocic last November.
Aspinall holds an impressive 8-1 record within the UFC`s heavyweight division and recently defended his own title. He defeated Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, a victory that also served to avenge his single loss inside the octagon.
Responding to comments he saw during the live chat, Jones remarked, “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a ‘duck.’ Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life.”
He went on to add, “I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”
For his part, Aspinall has repeatedly stated that while he would greatly welcome the opportunity to face Jones, whom he regards as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history, he is also prepared to move forward if the UFC chooses to match him with a different opponent.
Aspinall recently shared on the High Performance Podcast that his patience for waiting on Jones for a fight is nearing its end.
Aspinall explained, “When you put him in there with, and I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet, but I’m literally the most dangerous guy in the UFC if you look at the stats. When you put him in with a guy of my size who has them credentials at this stage in his career, I think Jon’s a smart guy and realizes that, so he wants to be compensated financially for it.”
He concluded by expressing his frustration with the ongoing situation, saying, “I’m well bored of [the Jones conversation]. I’ve had enough. We either need to fight, or I need to move on to something else.”
