Jon Jones to Coach on Russian Reality Show Instead of Fighting Tom Aspinall

LAS VEGAS, NV – UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones will not be fighting Tom Aspinall next; instead, he has signed on to coach opposite Nate Diaz on the Russian reality show ‘ALF Reality’. This news comes as a surprise to fans eagerly awaiting a title unification match between Jones and Aspinall, who holds the interim heavyweight title.

Jones last defended his championship in November 2024, and since then, there has been speculation about a showdown with Aspinall. However, the UFC has yet to finalize dates or details for that anticipated match. According to Jones, participating in ‘ALF Reality’ will not interfere with his future match plans.

His announcement led to significant reactions across social media, with fans accusing Jones of avoiding a fight with Aspinall. Comments ranged from frustration about Jones prioritizing a reality show over title defenses to disbelief that he would choose Diaz as an opponent instead. One Twitter user remarked, “Anything but fighting Aspinall.”

UFC President Dana White recently addressed the media regarding the potential Jones vs. Aspinall matchup, stating, “Everything you hear is bulls— until we say it. I’ve said it many times, that’s the fight we want to make this year.” Despite White’s confidence, the timeline remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Jones is preparing for ‘ALF Reality’, Russia’s equivalent of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, where fighters will compete under his coaching direction. The show is expected to feature intense rivalries, and having a legendary figure like Jones promises to bring excitement.

As the heavyweight division looks for fresh contenders, other fighters like Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson express interest in moving to MMA, indicating the landscape remains dynamic. Steveson hopes to enter the Octagon soon, aiming for a championship title of his own.

In other UFC news, flyweight Jimmy Flick recently received his release from the promotion after a disappointing run. Despite his struggles, Flick remains optimistic about his future in MMA.

With the heavyweight landscape unsettled at the moment, fans will have to wait to see how the situation unfolds for Jones, Aspinall, and the rest of the division.