According to one former UFC title challenger, Jon Jones made the correct decision by choosing not to fight Tom Aspinall, asserting that `Bones` is `doing everything right`.
This perspective comes after Jones, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, recently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts just weeks ago.
Often considered the greatest fighter of all time, Jones surprised the MMA world by retiring at age 37. Following his retirement, UFC CEO Dana White declared interim champion Tom Aspinall the new undisputed heavyweight titleholder.
While Jones has mentioned a potential return for a fight, possibly at the White House, the former two-division champion has frequently faced accusations of avoiding a matchup with Aspinall, known for his dominant performances against other UFC heavyweights.
However, not everyone believes Aspinall was the reason for Jones` retirement.
Chito Vera Dismisses Idea That Jon Jones Fears Tom Aspinall
Turning 38 later this year, Jones has achieved far more than most fighters could ever hope for.
Having held the top pound-for-pound ranking for the longest period in UFC history among numerous other achievements, top bantamweight contender Marlon “Chito” Vera argues that Jones completed `everything` there was to do in his UFC career, even without a title unification bout against Aspinall.
Vera was asked on the Makeshift Podcast if he thought Jones was scared of Aspinall. He replied, “No.”
Vera elaborated, stating that Jones doesn`t need to fight Aspinall because “He did everything.” Vera highlighted Jones` accomplishments: “He fought in his prime. He won the belt—the youngest ever. He has never lost the belt.”
While acknowledging “few incidents outside [the Octagon],” Vera added, “but no one’s perfect, so that’s on him.”
He concluded emphatically: “He’s solid. He should retire whenever the f— he wants.”
Vera contrasted this with fighters who continue despite losses. “Because most people lose seven in a row, and then people say, `mister, come on, you should retire.` He’s doing everything right, so f— everybody that is against that.”
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards previously predicted that Jones would lose to Aspinall if they ever fought.
Tony Ferguson Faces Retirement Calls After Eight Straight Losses
Unlike Jones, lightweight veteran Tony Ferguson has faced significant calls for retirement, particularly after suffering his eighth consecutive loss.
Ferguson was once on an impressive 12-fight winning streak in the lightweight division, but this run ended abruptly in 2020. Justin Gaethje stopped Ferguson via standing TKO at UFC 249, marking the beginning of a losing skid that saw the former interim champion lose seven more fights and eventually part ways with the UFC.
The 41-year-old Ferguson recently announced his professional boxing debut scheduled for August 30, a decision that has sparked considerable concern among fans.
Fans expressed worry on social media regarding his continued competition. One asked, “Is Tony Ferguson showing signs of CTE?” Another commented, “Better be against someone equally washed,” while a third questioned, “He should do wrestling or Jiu-jitsu, why is he signing up for more punishment to the head?” Many simply urged, “Bro just retire already.”
