The war of words between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones has reignited — and this time, it’s about Tom Aspinall.

In a fiery segment on DC & RC, the former two-division UFC champion called out his longtime rival Jon Jones, questioning his legacy, his intentions, and most of all — his refusal (so far) to face interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall.

“If Jon won’t fight Aspinall after Miocic,” Cormier said, “then he’s not defending the title — he’s retiring. Let’s just call it what it is.”

 DC Doubts Jones’ Intentions

Jones is currently slated to fight Stipe Miocic later this year in what many believe could be his final bout, regardless of the outcome. But UFC fans — and now Cormier — are demanding clarity on whether “Bones” will defend his belt against Tom Aspinall, the surging interim champ.

Cormier didn’t mince words:

“You can’t hold up the division forever. If you’re the undisputed champion, you’ve got to fight the next guy. Right now, that guy is Tom Aspinall — and let’s be honest, Jon doesn’t want that fight.”

According to DC, Aspinall is too dangerous, too fast, and too well-rounded — especially for a version of Jon Jones who’s been out of action due to injury since early 2023.

 “He’s Already Thinking About the Exit”

Cormier went even further, suggesting that Jones is already mentally retired and simply looking for the biggest paycheck before walking away.

“Jon is a smart guy. He knows the Miocic fight is a legacy fight, not a risk. He beats Stipe, he rides into the sunset with two-division champ status. But Aspinall? That’s not legacy — that’s danger.”

DC also emphasized that if Jones refuses to fight Aspinall, he should vacate the title and “stop pretending.”

“You don’t get to hold the belt hostage. Either fight the best or get out of the way.”

 Aspinall: The Division’s Real Boogeyman?

Tom Aspinall has been vocal about his frustration too. After flattening Sergei Pavlovich to win the interim title at UFC 295, he’s been waiting for a chance to unify — but instead, the UFC is pushing Jones vs. Miocic, a fight many view as more ceremonial than competitive.

Cormier echoed those concerns:

“I’m not saying Jon’s scared. I’m saying he’s smart. And smart fighters avoid unnecessary wars at the end of their careers.”

What Happens If Jones Walks?

If Jon Jones defeats Stipe and retires immediately after, Aspinall will likely be elevated to full champion, but without the definitive unification bout, his reign would begin with a cloud of doubt — something neither fans nor fighters want.

Cormier’s message was clear:

“Jon Jones is great. One of the best ever. But greatness means fighting the next generation. If he won’t fight Tom, then this was never about being the best — it was about leaving before the fire reached him.”

 Final Thoughts

Daniel Cormier knows Jon Jones better than anyone — and when he speaks, fans listen. His latest callout adds even more pressure on Jones to face Tom Aspinall and prove that he’s not just the champ of yesterday, but of today.

The question now is:
Will Jon Jones rise to the challenge — or ride off before the storm hits?