In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, where legacies are forged and shattered with every punch, the pursuit of an undisputed title is often a grueling odyssey. For some, the ultimate prize isn`t just the belt, but the chance to test themselves against a legend. Yet, what happens when that legend appears to be a moving target, perpetually just beyond reach? This is the perplexing dilemma currently facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a situation eerily familiar to a former light-heavyweight contender, Corey Anderson.
A Ghost From the Past: Corey Anderson`s Frustration with “Bones” Jones
Years before Tom Aspinall had even signed his first UFC contract, Corey Anderson was on a red-hot streak in the light-heavyweight division. With a grappling-heavy approach that systematically dismantled opponents, Anderson carved out a formidable path. His crowning moment came with an explosive knockout of the then-undefeated, fast-rising star Johnny Walker. It was a performance that solidified his position as a top contender, prompting an impassioned declaration: “There`s levels!”
Anderson believed he had earned his shot at the division`s kingpin, Jon Jones, widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. However, the fight never materialized. Instead, Jones, ever the strategic operator, seemed to pivot, leaving Anderson in a lurch. The perceived slight wasn`t just professional; it became personal. Anderson recounts an incident where Jones, at a public meet-and-greet near Anderson`s gym, allegedly had security remove him. For Anderson, this was undeniable proof of Jones` selective approach to challenges.
“Everybody asks me `do you think Jon Jones is ducking?` Like? 100 per cent,” Anderson recounted. “It`s kind of funny we both had the same thing where Jon had a meet and greet… he called security and had me kicked out. So people go `you really think he`s ducking?` Yes, those are his tendencies.”
Anderson, driven by a desire to prove his worth and secure his title shot, felt pressured to deliver another emphatic performance. He took a rematch against Jan Blachowicz, a fight he felt he needed to finish to be undeniable. This aggressive, uncharacteristic pursuit of a knockout, rather than relying on his dominant wrestling, ultimately cost him. Blachowicz stopped him, and with it, his dream of facing Jones in the Octagon. It was a bitter lesson in the politics and perceptions that often dictate title contention.
The Present Echo: Tom Aspinall`s Undisputed Quest
Fast forward to today, and the heavyweight division has its own rising star in Tom Aspinall. The British phenom, with his lightning-fast hands and slick ground game for a man his size, quickly ascended the ranks, claiming the interim heavyweight title. His sights are now firmly set on the undisputed crown, currently held by Jon Jones. Yet, Aspinall finds himself in a familiar predicament, staring down the same wall of ambiguity and perceived avoidance that Anderson once faced.
Anderson sees the parallels with striking clarity. He suggests that Jones` behavior — his silence, his perceived delays, his apparent preference for opponents he feels more “confident” against — is a consistent pattern. According to Anderson, Jones is a master strategist not just inside the cage, but outside it, carefully selecting fights that maximize his advantage and minimize risk. The irony, of course, is that a fighter lauded as the “greatest of all time” is often painted with the brush of caution when truly dangerous stylistic matchups emerge.
The Art of Strategic Avoidance or Champion`s Prerogative?
The “ducking” accusation is a contentious one. For some, it`s a harsh but accurate label for a champion who bypasses legitimate threats. For others, it`s simply a champion`s prerogative to choose their path, especially one with a career as storied and dominant as Jones`. However, Anderson`s perspective offers a psychological lens: “When he doesn`t have that confidence in it and what he can do, he kind of stays quiet, doesn’t say your name and then does everything he can to say ‘I need more time, I need more time’.” This suggests not cowardice, but perhaps a calculating avoidance of high-risk, low-reward scenarios, especially against styles that could negate his unique advantages.
This raises a fascinating question about the nature of a fighting legacy. Is it solely defined by who a champion *does* fight, or does the list of formidable challengers they *don`t* face also subtly shape their narrative? For Aspinall, a dynamic heavyweight who poses significant threats with his speed, striking, and grappling, the fight with Jones represents the ultimate validation. For Jones, a fight with Aspinall could be seen as an unnecessary risk at the twilight of an already legendary career.
Corey Anderson`s Candid Counsel: Build Your Own Legacy
Having walked a similar, frustrating path, Corey Anderson`s advice to Tom Aspinall is both pragmatic and profound. Forget about chasing Jon Jones. Focus instead on building an undeniable legacy of his own.
“What I`d say to Tom is stay focused and stay doing your thing,” Anderson advised. “You`re doing a great job making a name for yourself. You are already one of the GOATs coming so don`t worry about him, if the time comes the time comes. If not then just keep doing what you`re doing, keep winning and build your legacy…”
This counsel is a potent reminder that while challenging a legend holds immense appeal, the surest path to greatness is often self-reliance and consistent victory. Aspinall, by defending his interim title against formidable opponents like Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, will not only solidify his reign but also make himself an increasingly undeniable force. Should Jones decide to return, Aspinall`s continued dominance would elevate the stakes to an insurmountable level, forcing the issue rather than waiting for an invitation.
The cycle of “ducking” accusations against Jon Jones seems destined to continue as long as he holds a title and formidable challengers emerge. For Tom Aspinall, the lesson from Corey Anderson`s past is clear: While the dream fight with Jones may be tantalizing, true legacy is built on the battles you *do* fight and the champions you *become*, rather than the ones you endlessly pursue.
Gareth Pendleton