Jon Jones has made it clear he's not interested in stepping into the octagon against Tom Aspinall, and fans are buzzing with curiosity about his reasons.

Since late last year, the UFC has attempted to orchestrate a heavyweight title unification bout between the reigning champions. However, a stalemate has emerged, leading to a staggering 184,000 signatures on a petition demanding Jon Jones be stripped of his championship.

Despite the mounting pressure, the legendary fighter seems determined to maintain distance from Aspinall, whom he deems 'not special.'

Jon Jones Sets the Record Straight

Upon returning to the U.S. from filming a reality TV show in Thailand, Jones took to social media, engaging with fans and addressing their questions in the early hours of Friday.

When one fan asked why Jon wouldn’t fight Tom Aspinall, whom he had just labeled as unremarkable, Jones brought up his stunning victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," Jones recalled of his heavyweight title win.

Jones reflected on the doubts surrounding him prior to that fight: critics claimed he was too old, too slow, and untested against opponents like Gane, who was touted as the next big thing in the heavyweight division.

"I showed up. I won. Then? Crickets," he remarked, indicating that he feels a victory over Aspinall wouldn’t earn him the recognition he deserves.

Is Jon Jones Retiring?

Earlier this week, Aspinall suggested that Jones might be retired, sparking widespread speculation in the MMA community. Jones appeared to hint at retirement during his spontaneous Q&A session, claiming he wants to leave the sport as a champion.

"It really has nothing to do with fear," Jones tweeted, addressing rumors that he might be scared of facing Aspinall. "My question to my family and friends is how much higher can someone like me rise in this sport?"

He emphasized the importance of building a brand beyond the realm of athletics, suggesting that many fans aren't accustomed to seeing someone retire on top.

Jones concluded by admitting he understands the discomfort surrounding his decision, and recognizes that most people may not fully grasp the territory he’s navigating.