UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has finally addressed the explosive steroid accusations leveled against him by interim titleholder Tom Aspinall, firing back with a fiery defense that has reignited their already heated rivalry. In a bombshell interview on May 6, Jones dismissed Aspinall’s claims as “pathetic” and “desperate,” setting the stage for an even more contentious showdown as their potential title unification fight looms.

Jones’ Defiant Response

During an exclusive sit-down with MMA Fighting, Jones broke his silence on Aspinall’s repeated accusations of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, which have been a point of contention since Aspinall’s comments on Piers Uncensored in December 2024. Aspinall had branded Jones a “cheat” and claimed his failed drug tests—stemming from incidents in 2016 and 2017—disqualify him from GOAT status, a sentiment echoed in multiple posts found on X. Jones, visibly agitated, didn’t hold back in his rebuttal. “I’ve been clean for years, and I’ve proven myself against the best without any help,” Jones declared. “Aspinall’s just a desperate kid trying to get under my skin because he knows he can’t beat me in the cage. It’s pathetic.”

Jones went on to reference his extensive career, including his recent third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, emphasizing that his success is built on skill, not substances. “I’ve been tested more than anyone in this sport—hundreds of times—and I’m still here, still the champ,” he added. “Aspinall can talk about PEDs all he wants, but he’s the one who needs a reality check.” The champion’s comments come amidst ongoing negotiations for a unification bout, with UFC CEO Dana White recently expressing confidence in booking the fight for 2025, though delays have frustrated Aspinall and his camp.

The Root of the Accusations

Aspinall’s accusations trace back to Jones’ controversial past, including a 2016 failed test for clomiphene and letrozole, and a 2017 positive test for turinabol, which led to a 15-month suspension. Posts found on X highlight Aspinall’s pointed jabs, such as his August 2024 comment, “Jon’s right, he’s won so many more world championships than me… while using PEDs.” Aspinall doubled down in December, stating on Piers Uncensored that Jones’ history “rules you out of being the best of all time.” The interim champ has used these claims to question Jones’ legacy, a tactic some, like Daniel Cormier in an August 2024 post on X, called “brilliant” for pressuring Jones into a fight.

However, Jones’ response suggests the accusations have only deepened his disdain for Aspinall, whom he called an “asshole” in a November 2024 post on X. The champion’s camp has maintained that Jones has passed all tests since his return, with his most recent title defenses against Ciryl Gane in 2023 and Miocic in 2024 showing no violations. Critics, however, argue that Jones’ past casts a long shadow, a narrative Aspinall has leveraged to fuel their rivalry.

MMA Community Reacts

The MMA world is buzzing with reactions to Jones’ fiery rebuttal. Fans on social media are divided, with some supporting Jones’ defense and others siding with Aspinall’s skepticism of his legacy. Former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, who recently called Jones “probably the best fighter that ever lived,” told BJPenn.com in April 2025 that the steroid controversy shouldn’t overshadow Jones’ achievements, though he acknowledged Aspinall’s dangerous momentum. Meanwhile, analyst Din Thomas, speaking on MMA Fighting in April 2025, suggested Jones might be delaying the fight to gather more intel on Aspinall, hinting that the accusations could be a psychological tactic to unsettle the champ.

Aspinall, who has defended his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 and holds the record for the longest interim title reign in UFC history, has yet to respond to Jones’ latest comments. His father, Andy Aspinall, recently vented frustration over the fight delays, calling the situation “stupid” in an April 2025 interview on SI.com. With Dana White targeting a September or December 2025 date for the unification bout, the steroid accusations and Jones’ rebuttal have only heightened the stakes.

What’s Next for Jones vs. Aspinall?

Jones’ defense against the steroid allegations has added another layer of intensity to what White has called “the biggest fight in UFC history.” As Aspinall continues to push for the unification, Jones’ response suggests he’s ready to prove his dominance—both in and out of the Octagon. Whether the PED controversy will motivate Jones to sign the contract or further delay the inevitable remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the bad blood between these two heavyweights is far from settled.