According to his former opponent, Anthony Smith, Jon Jones is engaging in significant psychological tactics in anticipation of a possible fight with Tom Aspinall.
Recently, during an unplanned Instagram live session, heavyweight champion Jon Jones faced strong criticism from thousands of UFC fans who repeatedly called him a `duck`.
Since his title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November, Jones has repeatedly postponed a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall, leading to considerable frustration among fans.
His long-time rival, Daniel Cormier, suggests that Jones`s reluctance stems from a fear of becoming a highlight reel knockout victim for Aspinall, explaining the continuous delays.
Anthony Smith Claims Jones is `Mentally Exhausting` Aspinall Through Delays
Despite Jones`s persistent delays, UFC President Dana White recently confirmed that `Bones` is indeed expected to compete in 2025.
Upcoming Pay-per-view main events are already scheduled, with a potential opening at UFC 321, reportedly planned for Abu Dhabi in October.
Islam Makhachev is a likely frontrunner to headline that event in a title fight.
This arrangement leaves the November Pay-per-view slot potentially open for the 37-year-old Jones to defend his title against the British contender, a matchup widely considered one of the most significant possible fights in the sport right now.
Ahead of a potential clash, Anthony Smith, a former opponent of Jones, has accused him of `mentally exhausting` Tom Aspinall.
“Jon is a master manipulator and he is a master at mind games that go beyond the sport; he`s been doing it for years against the best guys in the world,” Smith stated on ESPN.
He added, “I understand Aspinall has this fighter mindset… The person who cares the least in every negotiation wins. Jon Jones does not care what Tom Aspinall wants and, in fact, wants to do the complete opposite.”
Smith concluded, “It`s one of the most exhausting things I`ve ever had to deal with, and I`ve got to respect it. Jon is the master at emotionally and mentally exhausting people, and you can see it in Tom Aspinall already.”
Paddy Pimblett Calls for UFC to Strip Jon Jones of Heavyweight Title
The prolonged delay has reached a point where many fans are calling for the UFC to strip Jones of his title and recognize Aspinall as the undisputed champion.
This sentiment isn`t limited to fans; British UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett has also urged the promotion to strip Jones, believing he has held the title for too long without defending against the clear challenger.
“If you`re making Islam [Makhachev] vacate, Jones needs to be stripped,” Pimblett was quoted by TNT Sports.
