Jon Jones Labels Tom Aspinall a ‘One-Trick Pony’ After UFC 321 Fight

Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has launched a critical assessment of Tom Aspinall, labeling him a “one-trick pony” following Aspinall’s recent title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The bout, which took place on October 25, 2023, ended in a no-contest after just 4 minutes and 35 seconds when an accidental eye poke left Aspinall unable to continue.

Jones, who submitted Gane to claim the heavyweight title in March 2023, expressed greater admiration for Gane’s skills during a recent appearance on the NoScripts Podcast. “Tom’s a great athlete, but I do feel like he’s a one-trick pony,” Jones stated. He added, “I believe that his wrestling and jiu-jitsu is incredibly overrated,” emphasizing his perception of Aspinall’s limited repertoire.

The criticism comes as UFC CEO Dana White confirmed plans to rebook the championship matchup between Aspinall and Gane, which will be pivotal for both fighters. However, Aspinall’s recovery remains uncertain as he struggles with the lingering effects of the eye poke. Reports from his father and head coach indicate that Aspinall has yet to regain full vision in either eye, with his right eye suffering more significantly.

Jones, with a record of 28-1, had previously been linked to a potential unification fight with Aspinall in early 2025. However, he announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in June, only to hint at a comeback, eyeing a fight with current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at a UFC event planned at the White House next year. Notably, Jones has not shown interest in facing Aspinall.

This latest exchange of words underscores the tension in the heavyweight division, especially as both fighters seek to solidify their legacies. Fans are eagerly awaiting the UFC’s next steps, particularly regarding the rescheduling of the Aspinall vs. Gane fight.

As the situation develops, the MMA community remains on high alert for updates on Aspinall’s health and the potential implications for his career moving forward. Stay tuned for more breaking news on this evolving story.