Jon Jones: Champion or Coward? Refuses Aspinall, Eyes Pereira!

The MMA world is in shock as Jon Jones, the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. Fans expected the all-time great to return and defend his title against interim champion Tom Aspinall, but recent reports suggest otherwise. Instead, whispers are growing that Jones is sidestepping the British powerhouse and setting his sights on a potential blockbuster showdown with Alex Pereira—a fighter who, while elite, competes two weight classes below Jones’ division.

Is this a tactical masterclass from Jones, or is he deliberately avoiding a dangerous challenge?

Ducking Aspinall? The Excuse That Has Fans Furious

For months, Tom Aspinall has been calling for his shot at the undisputed heavyweight crown. The 6’5” British phenom has looked unstoppable, bulldozing past elite competition with speed, power, and a well-rounded skillset that makes him one of the most dangerous threats in the division. With Jones sidelined due to injury, the UFC created an interim title, which Aspinall claimed in dominant fashion by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in under 90 seconds.

Naturally, the expectation was that Jones would heal up and face Aspinall in a title unification bout. But Jones and his team have been suspiciously silent about the Brit, refusing to commit to the fight. Instead, Jones has been dropping hints about a different, more unexpected matchup: Alex Pereira.

The MMA community didn’t take this well. Social media exploded with accusations of Jones ducking Aspinall, avoiding a younger, fresher, and more dangerous opponent. The narrative quickly shifted—was Jon Jones protecting his legacy instead of proving his greatness?

Jones, known for his mind games and strategic fight selections, has yet to confirm his next move. But fans aren’t buying the silence.

Why Pereira? The Risky Yet Safe Superfight

While a fight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira would undoubtedly be a massive PPV spectacle, it raises serious questions. Pereira, the current UFC light heavyweight champion, is known for his elite striking, devastating left hook, and fearless approach to fighting. However, he’s significantly smaller than Jones and has never fought at heavyweight.

So why would Jones target Pereira instead of the clear-cut number-one contender in Aspinall? The answer is simple: legacy and leverage.

A superfight against Pereira allows Jones to:

1. Avoid Aspinall’s wrestling and explosive power—Aspinall poses the biggest stylistic threat to Jones, combining elite grappling with lightning-fast hands.
2. Boost his legacy without the same level of danger—If Jones defeats Pereira, he adds another former champion’s name to his already stacked résumé.
3. Maintain control over the heavyweight division—By facing Pereira instead, Jones keeps the heavyweight title picture in limbo, delaying Aspinall’s rise to official champion status.

Despite Pereira’s striking prowess, Jones would enter the fight as the clear favorite. His grappling, wrestling, and overall size advantage make it a safer choice compared to the potential nightmare matchup with Aspinall.

Champion or coward? The Debate Rages On

Jon Jones is no stranger to criticism, but this latest development has divided the MMA world like never before. Some believe that Jones has earned the right to pick his fights after a decade of dominance. Others argue that a true champion should fight the most deserving contender, not chase easier matchups.

With the UFC yet to make an official announcement, one question lingers—will Jones step up and defend his title like a true champion, or will he continue to play it safe, keeping fans and fighters in suspense?

For now, the GOAT debate takes a backseat to a more urgent discussion: Is Jon Jones running from Tom Aspinall?