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UFC's Jon Jones Confirms Career Move With Tom Aspinall Fight in Limbo

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 2:03 PM ET

Jon Jones has made a major move outside the Octagon with talks for a potential UFC heavyweight unification fight against interim champion Tom Aspinall not advancing.

Jones is now co-owner of Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX), with TMZ Sports first breaking the story. The reigning heavyweight champion of the UFC spoke to the outlet about the news.

“I was hooked from the first show. I believe this is going to be a powerhouse of combat sports. I’m proud to sign my name next to it.”

The investment comes just one day before DBX’s first official card on March 22 in Miami, headlined by Yoel Romero and co-headlined by Andrei Arlovski.

Jones is expected to attend the event. It also comes at a time when the UFC’s heavyweight division is effectively frozen, with Jones’ own future unclear and interim champion Tom Aspinall left frustrated.

Aspinall, who captured interim gold at UFC 295, has waited months for confirmation of a unification bout. He recently said the UFC and Jones have a deal in place, and he’s now waiting for a date and location to be finalized.

UFC CEO Dana White echoed that optimism, saying he’s “very confident” the fight will happen this summer.

Tom Aspinall believes the Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira fight is "off the table now"

"Everything is now done on Jon's side and the UFC now have to find a date and a venue...

We've got some good news coming soon hopefully."

@AspinallMMA pic.twitter.com/pehSExMQWw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 9, 2025

Still, the optics of Jones buying into a rival promotion while still inactive have raised eyebrows. His last appearance came in a win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.

Since then, speculation has swirled over potential legacy bouts—including a now-dead matchup with Alex Pereira. With Pereira losing at UFC 313, only Aspinall remains a viable title challenger.

The UFC has not yet announced a main event for UFC 316 in June. If Jones is serious about fighting this summer, that may be the earliest opportunity to go against Aspinall in the anticipated unification fight.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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