**Tom Aspinall Suggests UFC Heavyweight Division Move Forward Without Jon Jones**

The status of a UFC heavyweight title match between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones remains unclear as the division patiently waits for an official announcement. Jones has been absent from the octagon since his triumphant defense of the lineal heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic in November at UFC 309. Although he had teased retirement immediately following his victory, Jones later hinted at ongoing contract negotiations with the UFC, leaving fans and fighters alike in suspense.

Jones recently sparked further speculation by suggesting during an MMA seminar in Thailand that both he and Aspinall were awaiting a decision from the UFC regarding the future of the heavyweight division. However, his comments stopped short of confirming an imminent fight with Aspinall, adding to the uncertainty of the matchup.

In response, Aspinall appeared on the show "Good Guy/Bad Guy" with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, where he challenged Jones's implication that a fight had been agreed upon. "Nah, man, Jon's retired. What are we talking about, guys?" Aspinall asserted. He praised Jones’s impressive career but stressed the need for the division to progress, stating, "I'm the undisputed heavyweight champion. I'm ready to take on all comers, get this division moving again. Those guys have been waiting around for too long. The contenders are getting sick of it, even the fans are getting sick of it."

Aspinall followed up his public remarks with a message on Instagram, reinforcing his belief that Jones is set to retire. "Want to be the first to wish Jon all the best in his retirement," Aspinall said, urging the UFC to move the division forward.

If Aspinall's claims about Jones's retirement prove accurate, he would likely be elevated to the position of undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. This promotion could set the stage for him to defend his title against contenders like Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov, who are both eager for a shot at the belt.

Jones himself has hinted at a delayed return to the UFC, recently replying "next year" when asked about his comeback. This response has led to increased frustration among fans, with a petition calling for the UFC to strip Jones of his title accumulating nearly 200,000 signatures.

Aspinall, who last competed in July at UFC 304, successfully defended his interim heavyweight belt against Curtis Blaydes, and previously claimed the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. The heavyweight division—and its fans—await official word on what comes next.