“The winner should absolutely fight Tom.” That’s what the UFC CEO Dana White declared before the UFC 309 PPV event, where Jon Jones squared off against Stipe Miocic. It sounded like a done deal and fans were already having dreams of a generational clash between Jones and Aspinall to unify the heavyweight title. But what has transpired since then? Let’s just say things got a little complicated.

While White insists the Englishman is the next logical step, Jones seems to have his eyes set on Alex Pereira instead. So, what’s holding up the showdown everyone’s buzzing about? If you ask UFC veteran Josh Thomson, the answer is simple. Speaking on Weighing In #525, Thomson pulled no punches. “I’m gonna take the Tom Aspinall fight,” he said, “I wanna see him fight somebody that’s a true threat to his legacy.”

“Alex gotta punch his chance, there’s no doubt about that okay, but I don’t think Alex is a true threat to him, it’s just there’s too many ways that Jon can get this fight done. He can take the fight to the ground, he can still get it done in the feet. I’m not gonna take away Jon’s ability on the feet,” said Thomson not denying the merits of a potential Jones-Pereira bout.

For fans and analysts alike, Tom Aspinall feels like the fight that needs to happen. Not only is he the interim champion, but the Brit is also riding a wave of momentum after dominating Curtis Blaydes and securing a jaw-dropping first-round knockout. The hype is real, and Dana White isn’t shy about leaning into it. “If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall,” White said flatly.

Is the Jones-Aspinall clash exactly what the heavyweight division needs?

Let’s be honest, Aspinall has earned his spot at the table. With his blend of size, speed, and power, he’s not just another contender, he is indeed the biggest challenge waiting for Jones in the heavyweight division. But it’s not about opportunities, it’s about legacy. As Thomson pointed out, the fighters who have given Jones the most trouble in the past, like Dominick Reyes, were the ones closer to his size.

Aspinall is not only bigger but also more versatile, with the wrestling, grappling, and knockout power to make things truly interesting. Thomson wondered, “The guys he’s had a hard time with are the guys that were physically his size. Now, Tom Aspinall is physically bigger than him. How will he handle that?”

With Aspinall, “starching dudes like Pavlovich,” Thomson added, “this is a true threat, a real risk, someone who can grapple off of his back, someone who can wrestle, someone who’s got power on the feet, got the knockout reels to show it.” As Jones nears the twilight of his career and Aspinall emerges as the next leader of the division, the pieces are perfectly aligned for a generational clash. And really, isn’t that what the sport is all about?

As White puts it, “Jon will do what he does. But if he doesn’t retire, he absolutely, positively fights Aspinall.” So, what do you think? Should Jones take on the challenge that could define his career and end this chatter once and for all? Or will Aspinall have to keep knocking people out until there’s no denying him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!