BREAKING: Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has sharply criticized Tom Aspinall, calling him a “one-trick pony” following Aspinall’s brief title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25, 2023. The fight ended in a no-contest just 4 minutes and 35 seconds in due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans and analysts eager for clarity about Aspinall’s skills.
Jones expressed his disappointment during an interview on the NoScripts Podcast, highlighting that he was “far more impressed” with Gane, who he submitted to capture the heavyweight title earlier this year. “Tom’s a great athlete, but I do feel like he’s a one-trick pony,” Jones stated, criticizing Aspinall’s grappling skills as “incredibly overrated.”
The former champion elaborated, “He couldn’t touch Ciryl Gane at all; I felt Gane was just getting warmed up.” This statement raises questions about Aspinall’s readiness for elite competition after his first official title defense ended prematurely.
As the situation unfolds, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed plans to rebook the championship matchup between Aspinall and Gane. However, Aspinall is currently dealing with the lingering effects of the eye poke, impacting his vision. Reports from his father and head coach indicate he has not regained full sight in either eye, with the right eye being the most affected.
Jones, who holds a record of 28 wins and 1 loss, was previously linked to a title unification bout against Aspinall in early 2025. However, after announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts in June, he has since expressed a desire to return to the octagon, targeting a fight against current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at a planned UFC event next year.
The developments raise critical questions about the future of both fighters. Aspinall’s recovery will influence his ability to compete at the highest level, while Jones’ potential comeback could alter the heavyweight landscape significantly. Fans and analysts alike are left waiting to see how this saga unfolds.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Aspinall’s recovery and the rebooking of the highly anticipated title fight.
