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Tom Aspinall has once more declined to discuss a possible bout with Jon Jones as he prepares for his comeback to the octagon. The British star is set to face Ciryl Gane in the headline fight at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall hasn't competed since his victory over Curtis Blaydes in July 2024 in Manchester . Just months following the Englishman's triumph against Blaydes, Jones successfully defended his heavyweight crown against Stipe Miocic. Jones secured a brutal third-round knockout triumph, reports All Out Fighting . Prior to the bout, 'Bones' had suggested retirement but hinted at a possible clash with Aspinall after beating the UFC icon. Nevertheless, in the following months the 38-year-old publicly refused to commit to facing the Brit. In June, Jones shocked the MMA community by declaring his retirement from combat sports. Aspinall was subsequently elevated from interim titleholder to the undisputed champion. Yet just weeks afterwards, Jones made a dramatic reversal and is hoping to compete again next June at the White House. With Jones keen to return in 2026, Aspinall was questioned about whether he would be willing to battle 'Bones' inside the cage. Whilst a victory over the American would significantly enhance the Englishman's legacy, the current heavyweight titleholder remains unfazed. "I don't care at all," he told Fox Sports. A potential clash between Aspinall and Jones could shatter numerous UFC records, particularly if staged at the White House. However, White has repeatedly dismissed the notion of the American featuring on the card. "You know how I felt about him. I can't risk putting him in big positions, in a big spot, and have something go wrong. Especially the White House card." After UFC 319 in August, White reinforced his stance. He questioned a reporter: "What do you think Jon would do in the next couple of months that would make me trust putting him on the White House card?" He continued: "I already said I don't trust him, and you're asking me, 'What could he do for me to trust him in the next three months?' You don't trust him! I haven't talked to him at all. I would not bet on it. If I have to make odds, it's a billion to one [that] I put Jon Jones on the White House card." Before his Octagon return this weekend, Aspinall appeared to aim a dig at Jones, insisting he would remain an active titleholder. Following Jones' triumph over Gane in March 2023, it required 20 months before he returned to defend his belt against Miocic. "I've always been in the gym, but it's nice to have a goal - to have an opponent," Aspinall told UFC Europe. "I just want to be the champion who fights often, regularly, and fights the best guys. I don't wanna be one of those guys who take big breaks in between, 'cause that's what happened. Nothing to do with me. I'm ready to put a stop to that - be active, be an active champion, be a defending champion, and fight the best guys, number one contenders. And that's what a champion should do - fight the number one contenders." Aspinall's bout with Gane is scheduled for October 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The duo's encounter will top the UFC 321 pay-per-view bill. Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also feature on the card - apparently battling for the number one heavyweight challenger position. A light-heavyweight bout between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has also been confirmed, whilst Mitch Raposo will face Azat Maksum. The co-main event features Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern competing for the vacant women's strawweight championship. The preliminary card broadcast will be accessible to TNT Sports subscribers on TNT Sports 4 and available on TNT Sports Box Office for all viewers in the UK and Ireland from 5pm (12pm ET / 9am PT / 11am CT). The main card is set to kick off at 7pm UK time (2pm ET / 11am PT / 1pm CT). In the headline event, Gane is expected to make his entrance to the cage first at approximately 9:30pm UK time (4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT / 3:30pm), with Aspinall following straight after. The timings of all bouts are subject to change and will hinge on the duration of the undercard. Fans in the UK and Ireland can exclusively watch the main card live on TNT Sports Box Office for a fee of £19.99.
