The UFC heavyweight division stands at a crossroads. On one side, you have Jon Jones, arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, currently sidelined with an injury. On the other, Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion — young, explosive, and hungry for legitimacy. The question now looms large: Should Tom Aspinall continue to wait for Jon Jones, or forge his own path?

The Case for Waiting

Tom Aspinall has made it clear: he wants Jon Jones. And who can blame him? A win over Jones would not only unify the heavyweight title — it would define his career. Defeating a legend like Jones would silence all critics and crown him as the undisputed king of the division.

For Aspinall, waiting might mean preserving the allure of the “real champion” status. Beating Sergei Pavlovich for the interim belt was impressive, but it’s not the same as dethroning the GOAT. From a legacy standpoint, this is the fight to make.

There’s also the business side. A Jones vs. Aspinall unification bout would be massive, likely headlining a pay-per-view in the UK or on a huge U.S. card. The financial and promotional rewards could be too big to pass up.

The Case Against Waiting

But there’s a flip side. Jon Jones has been out of action since UFC 285, and his return date remains uncertain. With talk of Jones vs. Miocic — a “legacy fight” — still floating around, Aspinall could be stuck on the sidelines indefinitely. And for a young, in-prime fighter like him, time is opportunity.

Inactivity kills momentum. Aspinall is healthy, rising in popularity, and part of a heavyweight division that desperately needs consistency. Sitting and waiting for Jones — who may only have one fight left — might stall his career and frustrate fans.

Additionally, the UFC has not committed to a Jones vs. Aspinall bout. If Dana White decides to book Jones vs. Miocic instead, Aspinall could be forced to defend his interim title against dangerous contenders like Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida, or Sergei Pavlovich again, which brings risk without the reward of true unification.

What Should He Do?

Tom Aspinall finds himself in a classic “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.

If he waits: He may get the historic opportunity of a lifetime — or get left behind.

If he stays active: He risks losing the belt before ever fighting for the real one.

Perhaps the smartest move is this: push for the Jones fight publicly, but stay ready to defend. Keep the pressure on the UFC to make the unification bout happen, but don’t hesitate to take a high-profile fight if it’s offered.

In today’s UFC, flexibility often beats loyalty.

Conclusion

Tom Aspinall has earned his place at the top of the heavyweight mountain. But whether he waits for Jon Jones or blazes his own trail, one thing is clear: the future of the division runs through him. If Jon Jones wants to prove he’s still the best, he’ll have to go through Tom Aspinall — not the other way around.