Jon Jones doesn`t appear to be in a rush to step back into the cage. The reigning UFC heavyweight champion, who has recently been occupied outside the sport filming a reality show in Thailand, finds himself the subject of widespread speculation regarding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall.
Jones previously issued a somewhat enigmatic statement indicating that the UFC was fully aware of his future intentions. However, the promotion itself has largely remained silent on his plans, aside from Dana White`s repeated assertions that a bout against Aspinall is indeed going to take place.
Addressing questions about his potential retirement directly on Wednesday, Jones offered an update that did little to inspire confidence in a speedy return to competition. “I don’t know if I wanna call it retired,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “I feel like I’ll always have an ability to pop out and show em. I’ve had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact. I’m genuinely enjoying life, I’m growing in different ways.”
Jones last competed in November, where he secured a victory by finishing former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic during his first defense of the heavyweight title.
Since that fight, Jones has not made a firm commitment to returning to action. Nevertheless, White has consistently expressed strong belief that the future Hall of Famer will come back to unify the title with the current interim champion, Aspinall.
Meanwhile, Aspinall has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated as his waiting period extends further, following his last fight in which he knocked out Curtis Blaydes in England.
Judging by Jones`s recent comments, he does not seem to be planning a return to fighting in the immediate future. This situation may ultimately compel Aspinall to make a decision about his own career path, given the uncertainty surrounding the highly anticipated unification bout.
