Overview

• UFC CEO Dana White declared ‘‘Jon agreed to fight Tom, fact’’ during the UFC 316 post-fight press conference and said a Tuesday meeting will finalize logistics.
• Tom Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight crown in November 2023, defended it once and publicly questioned Jones’s commitment by calling him retired.
• Jones hasn’t fought since his TKO win over Stipe Miocic in November 2024 and had sought six months of preparation and a substantial purse before signing the bout agreement.
• The heavyweight division’s progression has stalled amid prolonged negotiations, prompting fans and contenders to urge the UFC to strip Jones if the fight isn’t sealed.
• On his YouTube channel, Aspinall hinted at a ‘‘something big’’ announcement this week and stressed he would only retire if he ever began ducking opponents.