GSP Gives Tom Aspinall Advice for Jon Jones

GSP Gives Tom Aspinall Advice for Jon Jones

For UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, the wait for a title unification bout against reigning champion Jon Jones has become an agonizing exercise in patience. After claiming the interim title in November 2023, Aspinall has been sidelined for a staggering ten months, with no clear timeline in sight for his highly anticipated showdown with Jones.

Aspinall's call for the unification fight has been loud and clear. He earned the interim belt after a dominant win and immediately set his sights on unifying the division. The Englishman is hungry for the opportunity to cement his legacy, but the UFC's efforts to finalize the fight have so far fallen short. The uncertainty surrounding the matchup has left Aspinall and his team in limbo, and frustration is mounting as the wait stretches on.

A Fighter's Frustration

The UFC’s heavyweights are in a state of flux, with a number of key developments and potential roadblocks delaying the clash between Aspinall and Jones. While both fighters have expressed interest in the bout, the intricacies of negotiation, scheduling, and outside factors have kept the dream match from coming to fruition.

Aspinall’s frustration is understandable. After making a statement with his victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title, the 30-year-old fighter has done everything in his power to be patient and stay prepared. Still, waiting for a champion to return from injury or decide his next move is not an ideal situation for any fighter. The lack of clarity surrounding Jon Jones’ timeline has left Aspinall in a difficult position—unable to move forward or fully focus on his next challenge.

Georges St-Pierre’s Advice: Focus on What You Can Control

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, former UFC two-division champion and Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre weighed in on the situation, offering advice to the young heavyweight. St-Pierre, who has fought through his own share of waiting games and setbacks, cautioned Aspinall to not allow the unification bout to consume him entirely.

"I think Tommy needs to focus on the next task," St-Pierre said. "I remember when I lost to Matt Serra, I was making the mistake of trying to focus on Matt Serra to get my revenge immediately, but I had a few other fights lined up before that. And if he's only focusing on Jon Jones, and if Jon Jones does not come back right away, he's not focusing on the right thing."

The legendary Canadian fighter emphasized the importance of focusing on what is within a fighter's control—what comes next—rather than fixating on circumstances that are beyond their reach. St-Pierre’s message was clear: Don't allow yourself to be consumed by the unknown. Channel that energy into preparing for the challenges that are in front of you, and the title unification will eventually fall into place.

The Legacy of Jon Jones

Georges St-Pierre, who himself is often discussed in the conversation about the greatest of all time (GOAT), shared his admiration for Jon Jones and the legacy that he has built in the UFC. "In terms of legacy and accomplishment, Jon Jones is the best," St-Pierre said. "And I understand Tom and his point of view. He's a proud fighter. He wants to beat the best, but now it all depends on what Jon wants to do."

Despite his frustration, Aspinall’s respect for Jones is clear. He sees the fight as a golden opportunity to prove himself against one of the most decorated champions in mixed martial arts history. However, the reality of the situation is that Jon Jones’ future is uncertain. Factors such as compensation, motivation, and personal timing play a large role in his career decisions. Aspinall cannot control these variables, so it’s up to him to stay ready for whatever comes next.

Moving Forward: The Next Challenge

For Aspinall, the advice from Georges St-Pierre is invaluable. While the interim champion's eyes are still on Jon Jones, he must take St-Pierre’s words to heart. The UFC’s heavyweight division continues to evolve, with other fighters waiting for their chance to stake a claim for the top spot. Aspinall can’t afford to stand still while the world waits on Jones.

Whether it’s fighting a top contender or preparing for a new opportunity, Aspinall must keep his hunger alive and stay focused on the path ahead. The best fighters know how to bounce back from setbacks and distractions. They use the waiting periods to sharpen their skills, perfect their strategies, and build their legacy, regardless of what happens with title fights or opponent negotiations.

As frustrating as the situation may be, the wait may ultimately make Aspinall a more dangerous fighter when the time comes to face Jones—or whoever stands in his way. For now, Aspinall must stay ready and let the UFC work out the details. His next task is all that matters.

What do you think about Aspinall’s wait for the unification fight? Can he stay focused? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tom Aspinall