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“Stop Chasing Jones”: GSP’s Straight Talk to Aspinall on UFC Heavyweight Drama
The UFC heavyweight division has been a soap opera lately, and Georges St-Pierre just dropped the reality check Tom Aspinall desperately needed to hear.
For over a year now, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been practically begging for a fight with Jon Jones to unify the UFC heavyweight titles. Meanwhile, Jones has been focused on his upcoming fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November and appears completely uninterested in what Aspinall wants.
Now, one of the greatest fighters of all time is stepping in with some tough love for the British heavyweight.
GSP Tells Aspinall: Focus on What You Can Control
Speaking on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with former UFC champion Henry Cejudo, Georges St-Pierre didn’t mince words about Aspinall’s situation:
“The best advice I would give to Tom Aspinall is to stop focusing on Jon Jones. Jon Jones will do what Jon Jones wants to do. He won the belt, he can decide who he wants to fight.”
GSP continued, “If I were Tom Aspinall, I would focus on what I can control. I would defend my interim title, showcase why I’m the best, and force the UFC’s hand through my performances rather than my words.”
Insert image of GSP speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast here
The Jones-Aspinall Saga: A Timeline of Frustration
The tension between these two heavyweights has been building since Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in just 69 seconds at UFC 295 to claim the interim title. Since then:
- Aspinall has repeatedly called out Jones on social media
- Jones has dismissed Aspinall as not being a big enough draw
- UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Jones will face Miocic next
- Aspinall has expressed frustration about being “ignored”
I’ve watched this play out for months, and it’s clear that Jones is in the power position while Aspinall is left waiting in the wings.
Why GSP’s Advice Matters
When Georges St-Pierre talks fight strategy – in or out of the cage – fighters should listen. The former welterweight and middleweight champion knows exactly how the UFC power dynamics work.
GSP’s career was defined by strategic choices both in fighting style and opponent selection. He became one of the biggest stars in UFC history by letting his performances do the talking.
Now he’s essentially telling Aspinall: stop begging and start building your own legacy.
The Options for Aspinall While Jones is Occupied
If Aspinall takes GSP’s advice, what could his path forward look like? Here are his realistic options:
| Potential Opponent | Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Curtis Blaydes | Rematch opportunity (Aspinall lost by injury) | Dangerous wrestler with previous win |
| Ciryl Gane | High-profile European matchup | Technically skilled striker |
| Sergei Pavlovich | Rematch adds to his resume | Already dominated him once |
| Alexander Volkov | Another chance to showcase skills | Already has win over Volkov |
The Real Problem: UFC’s Star System
Let’s be honest about what’s happening here. The UFC has always prioritized big names over sporting merit when it comes to title fights. Jones is one of their biggest stars, and they’re milking his heavyweight run for all it’s worth.
Aspinall, despite his incredible talent and finishing ability, simply doesn’t command the same pay-per-view numbers yet. And in today’s UFC, that matters more than being the most deserving contender.
As GSP pointed out, “The UFC is a business first. Sometimes the most deserving doesn’t get the opportunity because that’s not what sells the most.”
What This Means for the Heavyweight Division
The heavyweight logjam isn’t going away anytime soon. If Jones beats Miocic at UFC 309, there’s no guarantee he’ll face Aspinall next. Jones has even hinted at retirement following the Miocic bout.
If that happens, would Aspinall be elevated to undisputed champion? Or would the UFC create another interim title fight? These questions remain unanswered.
What I do know is that at 31 years old, Aspinall is in his prime and cannot afford to wait around indefinitely for a Jones fight that might never materialize.
What Do You Think Aspinall Should Do Next?
Should Tom Aspinall take GSP’s advice and focus on defending his interim title? Or should he continue pressing for the Jones fight publicly?
One thing’s for certain – Georges St-Pierre has given him solid career advice that comes from years of navigating the sometimes frustrating politics of UFC championship fights.
As fight fans, we can only hope that the heavyweight division sorts itself out soon. Aspinall represents the exciting future of the division, while Jones and Miocic represent its legendary past. Eventually, these worlds must collide – with or without Jon Jones’ cooperation.
Source: Georges St-Pierre interview on “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo
