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The anticipation surrounding a potential match between UFC heavyweights Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall continues to build, with both fighters exchanging barbs on social media. UFC CEO Dana White remains confident that the unification bout will take place. However, veteran UFC fighter Renato Moicano remains skeptical about the likelihood of the event happening any time soon.

Moicano voiced his concerns during an interview with MMA Fighting, labeling the delay as "absurd." He drew parallels between Jones' current situation and Conor McGregor’s postponed bout with Michael Chandler, suggesting that Jones might be intentionally stalling to wait out Aspinall's prime. "The difference is that one is a champion, but McGregor had the McGregor hype," Moicano remarked.

While Moicano believes that White genuinely wants to book the fight, he pointed out the complex situation the UFC finds itself in. With Jon Jones and Conor McGregor still holding significant sway, their presence is viewed as crucial for business, especially with an important TV deal negotiation on the horizon. "The UFC is in a difficult situation," Moicano explained, noting that cutting ties with these star fighters could result in a considerable loss for the organization.

Discussing the current roster, Moicano contended that the UFC lacks the luminous stars of its previous era. He mentioned fighters like Alexandre Pantoja, Merab Dvalishvili, and Alexander Volkanovski, who, according to Moicano, do not possess the widespread popularity or star power that former icons like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar had. He joked about the lack of popularity for some current champions, indicating that "not even [Magomed Ankalaev's] mother cares about him."

As for the heavyweight division, Moicano opined that the UFC is essentially in Jones' hands. He suggested that to move forward, the organization should consider stripping Jones of the title and arranging for Aspinall to fight another opponent. However, he acknowledged the challenge in finding a suitable candidate, criticizing fighters like Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov for various reasons. Moicano believes that Jones is stalling to avoid the high risk of losing to the fast and athletic Aspinall.

Ultimately, Moicano warned that the UFC's current business model and reliance on figures like Jones and McGregor for negotiation leverage could hinder the promotion's growth. He underscored the importance of balancing star power with the broader interests of the sport. "The UFC has to be very careful," he stated, alluding to the risk of allowing their biggest stars to gain too much control.

Despite these concerns, Moicano acknowledged the robust financial position of the UFC, bolstered by rising site fees and lucrative TV deals. He emphasized that the promotion's model of signing and promoting fighters from series like the Contender Series ensures a steady flow of talent, regardless of the outcomes of high-profile negotiations. "They're making money in every shape and form now," Moicano said, pointing to potential deals with platforms like Netflix or Amazon, which could bring even more revenue to the organization.

In conclusion, while the potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight garners significant attention, Moicano's remarks shed light on the broader issues the UFC faces in balancing immediate business needs with the long-term health and growth of the sport.