Jon Jones has a room with all of his combat posters prominently displayed, just like a hunter who mounts the pinnacle of his newest kill.
And ‘Bones’ has a spot reserved for Tom Aspinall.
Battle followers have been chomping on the bit to see Jones and Aspinall settle issues contained in the Octagon for greater than a 12 months. Sadly, we look like no nearer to seeing it occur, regardless of UFC Dana White promising that the promotion would ship the most important conflict in heavyweight historical past in 2025.
In consequence, Aspinall has now change into the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC historical past whereas ‘Bones’ is the second-longest heavyweight titleholder, solely behind Cain Velasquez.
Jon Jones insists his story is ‘nonetheless being written’
Jones and Aspinall have been in lively negotiations ever since ‘Bones’ scored a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic in November, with each fighters expressing optimism and uncertainty alongside the way in which.
Whereas reflecting on his legendary profession, Jones delivered a message on Instagram that ought to have followers longing for the long run.
“Now, as you possibly can see… nonetheless haven’t framed or hung the Stipe combat but,” Jones wrote. “Been shifting 1,000,000 miles an hour recently. However there’s one final good spot left on my wall of victory.”
“And this wall—it actually hits me. This isn’t simply art work. It’s legacy. Each poster tells a narrative. Completely different chapters. Completely different houses. Completely different battles. Wins that meant the world on the time. Fights that made historical past.
“I’ve stated it earlier than, my profession hasn’t been good, nevertheless it’s been undeniably legendary. Epic. Particular. Only a few phrases that come to thoughts. Legend after legend. Period after period,” Jones continued.
“What I’m most happy with? I’ve advanced. I’m a lot greater than only a fighter. I’m a person rising stronger in my religion, a household man, a loyal brother to my workforce, a businessman, a frontrunner, a person for my neighborhood. And I do know—definitely—my mom can be happy with the person I’ve change into.
“The wall’s virtually stuffed… however belief me, the story’s nonetheless being written. The perfect is but to come back.”
With Ilia Topuria just lately confirming that he would compete at UFC 317 throughout Worldwide Battle Week and the promotion’s summer season slate filling up quick, one other November return at Madison Sq. Backyard appears doubtless for Jon Jones.
But when issues don’t ultimately come collectively, it sounds just like the UFC has a backup plan in place.
