Robert Whittaker Echoes Fan Frustration: Will Jon Jones Ever Face Tom Aspinall?

The MMA world is buzzing, and former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker has entered the chat on one of the hottest topics in the sport right now. Like many of us watching from home, Whittaker is openly questioning whether UFC heavyweight king Jon Jones will ever step into the octagon with interim champion Tom Aspinall.

I’ve been following this saga for months, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like we’re all shouting into the void.

Whittaker Speaks the Uncomfortable Truth About Jones vs. Aspinall

During a recent interview, Whittaker didn’t mince words when asked about the potential showdown between Jones and Aspinall: “Can we all just admit that this fight isn’t happening? Jon’s made his intentions pretty clear.”

The frustration in Whittaker’s voice mirrors what many hardcore fans have been feeling. Jones has consistently targeted a fight with former champ Stipe Miocic since claiming the heavyweight title in March 2023, showing little interest in facing the surging Aspinall.

Whittaker continued: “I understand the business side of it, but at some point, we have to acknowledge what’s really going on. Tom’s earned his shot, but Jones seems to be on a different path.”

The Timeline That’s Testing Fan Patience

Let’s break down how we got here, because the situation is getting ridiculous:

Why This Matters to MMA Fans

The heavyweight division is finally exciting again after years of stagnation. Aspinall represents the new generation – fast, technical, and devastating. At 31, he’s in his prime with a perfect UFC record of finishes.

Jones, widely considered the GOAT, has the opportunity to cement his legacy by defeating the most dangerous rising star in the division. Instead, he’s pursuing a fight with the 41-year-old Miocic, who hasn’t competed since March 2021.

I get it – Jones wants a “legacy” fight against another all-time great. But isn’t beating the scariest active heavyweight more impressive for your legacy?

The Fan Perspective That Whittaker Validates

What makes Whittaker’s comments so refreshing is that he’s saying what fans have been thinking. He’s not bound by UFC promotion obligations and can speak freely about the situation.

“As a competitor, I always wanted to fight the best available challenger,” Whittaker noted. “That’s what being a champion is about. The fans deserve to see the best fight the best.”

When a respected fighter like Whittaker questions the situation, it adds legitimacy to fan complaints. We’re not just being impatient – there’s a real issue here with the integrity of the championship lineage.

What Happens Next?

The UFC seems content to let Jones call the shots, which means Aspinall might be defending his interim title again while waiting for his unification bout. This creates several problems:

• It devalues the heavyweight championship
• It risks Aspinall losing to another contender before getting his title shot
• It frustrates fans who want clarity in the division
• It sets a precedent that champions can cherry-pick opponents

Jones recently recovered from a pectoral injury and is rumored to be targeting a return in late 2024 – still against Miocic, not Aspinall.

The Bottom Line

Robert Whittaker has given voice to what many in the MMA community are thinking: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall probably isn’t happening anytime soon, if ever. Whether it’s due to strategic career management, genuine matchup concerns, or simply age and timing, Jones seems determined to finish his career on his own terms.

For fans of the sport, this situation represents everything frustrating about combat sports – politics and business often trumping competitive merit. But at least we have fighters like Whittaker willing to call it like they see it.

What do you think? Should Jones be forced to fight Aspinall, or does he have the right to choose his final opponents? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Follow our MMA coverage for more updates on this developing situation and all the latest from the world of combat sports.