Colby Covington criticized Jon Jones for not daring to fight Ngannou and choosing a lighter opponent Tom Aspinall

Colby Covington pulls no punches, accusing Jon Jones of ducking top-tier competition like Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou. Is Jones’ legacy at risk?

A Rivalry Born in Wrestling

The bad blood between Colby Covington and Jon Jones dates back to their wrestling days at Central Iowa Community College. As former teammates turned bitter rivals, both fighters have made it a habit to verbally attack each other at every opportunity. Covington, known for his outspoken personality, has once again taken aim at Jones, reigniting one of the UFC’s most enduring feuds. 

Covington also took aim at Jones’ recent performance against Stipe Miocic, calling it a strategic mismatch. “Miocic is an older fighter who shouldn’t have been in the Octagon with Jones. He was just looking to get paid. So, I don’t think Jon’s performance was anything special,” he remarked. Many fans and analysts agree that Miocic’s best days are behind him, adding weight to Covington’s critique.

Covington Eyes UFC Tampa While Watching Jones’ Moves

Despite being fully focused on his upcoming UFC Tampa showdown against Joaquin Buckley this Saturday, Covington couldn’t resist throwing shade at the UFC heavyweight champion. Jones, fresh off a dominant third-round victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, has announced plans to return in 2025. However, speculation swirls about who will stand across from him when he makes his comeback.

Jones’ Next Fight: Pereira or Aspinall?

Jones has shown interest in a clash with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, but UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that a title unification bout with surging heavyweight star Tom Aspinall makes more sense. Aspinall’s rise has captivated fans, and many believe he’s the most dangerous challenger for Jones at this point in his career.

Covington’s Scathing Criticism

During the UFC Tampa media day, Covington didn’t hold back on his assessment of Jones. “I think Jon needs to stop ducking Tom Aspinall just like he ducked [Francis] Ngannou,” he said. “He ducked Ngannou for years; now he’s ducking Aspinall. He doesn’t want to fight the guys he knows he’s going to get his ass beat against. So I don’t think anything special of Jon Jones.”

Jones’ Win Over Miocic Dismissed

Covington also took aim at Jones’ recent performance against Stipe Miocic, calling it a strategic mismatch. “Miocic is an older fighter who shouldn’t have been in the Octagon with Jones. He was just looking to get paid. So, I don’t think Jon’s performance was anything special,” he remarked. Many fans and analysts agree that Miocic’s best days are behind him, adding weight to Covington’s critique.

The Feud Burns On

As Covington prepares for his pivotal fight against Buckley, his sharp words toward Jones keep their rivalry alive. Meanwhile, Jones’ potential showdown with Aspinall looms large in the minds of fans. Will Jones rise to the challenge, or will Covington’s accusations of ducking continue to haunt the heavyweight champion? 

The anticipation for Jones’ return in 2025 has sparked widespread debate among UFC fans. Some believe he will cement his legacy by facing Aspinall, while others share Covington’s doubts about Jones’ willingness to take on elite challengers. Either way, the spotlight will remain firmly on the heavyweight division as these narratives unfold.