From the files of having your cake and eating it, too, it has been difficult to come to terms with Jon Jones' self-narrative of late as the often reclusive UFC legend has resurfaced in the media cycle entering just his second bout in a span approaching five full years.

Jon Jones is dropping any pretense in his ongoing saga with Tom Aspinall. Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, shut the door firmly Wednesday on a potential unification bout with the English interim heavyweight champion following his scheduled UFC 309 title defense against former champion Stipe Miocic.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is the right heavyweight title fight to make, but it's clear Jones and the UFC don't want it --- and it's not as straightforward as it seems. Yes, Jones is avoiding Aspinall,