In a recent explosive segment on his show, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier finally addressed the growing controversy around Jon Jones and why the long-anticipated clash with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall hasn’t happened — and may never happen.

And in true DC fashion, he didn’t sugarcoat anything.

“This Isn’t About Fear — It’s About Legacy Control”

Cormier, who’s shared the Octagon with Jon Jones twice in one of MMA’s most heated rivalries, knows firsthand what kind of competitor Jones is. But when it comes to avoiding a showdown with Aspinall, DC believes it’s not about ducking — it’s about protecting narrative.

“Jon’s always controlled the story. And this time, he’s making sure it ends on his terms,” Cormier said.
“Fighting Tom Aspinall? That’s risk. That’s danger. And maybe it’s not a risk he wants — or needs — right now.”

Timing Is Everything

Jones is still recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him from UFC 295, where he was scheduled to face Stipe Miocic. While fans have been clamoring for the UFC to unify the heavyweight titles by pitting Jones against Aspinall, the UFC legend has remained silent on the matter — until now.

Cormier broke it down bluntly:

“He’s got Stipe on the table — an older fighter, a legend, but also a fight Jon can control. Tom? That’s a whole different beast.”

Cormier Says UFC Is Also to Blame

DC also didn’t let the UFC off the hook, suggesting that business interests are keeping the belts split:

“The UFC knows Jon vs. Stipe sells. It’s two names. A legacy fight. But Jon vs. Aspinall? That’s a passing-of-the-torch moment — and maybe that’s not the torch Jon wants to pass.”

“Jon’s Trying to Retire as the Guy Who Was Never Caught”

Cormier ended with a mic-drop moment:

“I think Jon wants to walk away without ever letting someone truly take it from him. And if he never fights Tom, he can do that. But people will always wonder — did he avoid the real threat?”

Tom Aspinall Responds?

While Aspinall has remained mostly respectful, he’s made it clear: he wants that fight.

“I’m the best heavyweight in the world right now. If Jon wants to prove otherwise — he knows where I’m at.”

What’s Next?

As it stands, Jon Jones is still targeting a return against Stipe Miocic, while Aspinall waits, title in hand, with no unification bout confirmed. But after Cormier’s bold statements, the pressure on the UFC — and Jon — is only intensifying.

Daniel Cormier gave us the truth: Jon Jones is choosing legacy. But fans? They want resolution. And only one fight delivers it — Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.

Will it happen?
The clock is ticking. ⏳