Tom Aspinall is able to bounce at any alternative to struggle Jon Jones.
At UFC 304, Aspinall efficiently defended his interim heavyweight title with a 60-second smashing of Curtis Blaydes; and whereas the title protection was distinctive, it nonetheless didn’t handle to earn Aspinall the one factor he desires most: a struggle with Jones.
Jones is the present UFC heavyweight champion, having gained the vacant title by defeating Ciryl Gane in 2023, and is useless set on going through former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in his first title protection. Rumor has it that struggle will lastly occur at UFC 309 in November, and will that be the case, Aspinall has dibs.
“Jon Jones, I do know you’ve obtained your struggle arising,” Aspinall stated in a YouTube video. “Apparently it’s in November, towards Stipe Miocic. Nothing has been introduced or signed but, so far as I’m conscious, but when that does occur, I’ll be there, I’ll be prepared to leap in with both of you guys for the undisputed title if considered one of you goes to tug out.
“However for those who efficiently defend towards Stipe in November, I will probably be there within the crowd, I’ll be there entrance row. I would like you handy me the undisputed title as you stroll previous me please. Thanks.”
Aspinall has been attempting to get a struggle with Jones since profitable the interim belt final fall, to no avail and regardless of rising backlash to Miocic getting a title shot regardless of being 42 years outdated and having not competed in over three years. However there could also be a sliver of sunshine on the finish of the tunnel for Aspinall, because the Englishman revealed that the UFC has already spoken to him about being the backup fighter for the Jones-Miocic matchup.
“After my final struggle with Curtis Blaydes, there was some discuss me being the backup struggle,” Aspinall stated. “The UFC spoke to me straight about that. I stated I’m in. If any person pulls out, I’m in… I’ll be ready for that date, so that you let me know. I’ll be there. I’m able to take the struggle. I’m the No. 1 within the division, not Jon Jones, not Stipe Miocic. They’re a few older fellas having a struggle, combating for the title for some purpose. I don’t know why that purpose is. However I’m the man at heavyweight and I’m able to show that on an hour’s discover if I must.”
“… I’m listening to rumors that Stipe is doubtlessly injured,” Aspinall added. “These are stuff that I’m listening to from the inside circle. Stipe… he’s 42 years outdated. The man goes to be damage susceptible. Jon Jones, one million miles on the clock, he’s going to be damage susceptible. Me, I’m able to go. I’m not even in my prime but. I’m hungry for it. I’m undecided these two guys are, however I’m, and I’ll struggle both of them for the undisputed title on any discover. I’m prepared.”
Regardless of Aspinall’s claims, sources instructed MMA Combating that Jones vs. Miocic remains to be anticipated to happen this November.
In the end, its a tricky state of affairs for Aspinall who has wins over 5 fighters at present ranked within the UFC’s top-10 at heavyweight and easily desires his likelihood to show what he believes to be true: that he’s really the perfect heavyweight on the planet.
“Jon Jones had a tremendous profession. I ain’t placing Jon Jones down,” Aspinall stated. “Jon Jones isn’t the perfect heavyweight on the planet proper now. That’s me. So I would like what’s mine. I’m pissed off for greatness. I imagine that I must be the No. 1 heavyweight on the planet. I’ve accomplished what it takes to deserve that and I’m able to show it. Jon Jones isn’t. That’s all I’m saying. Nothing towards Jon and his profession.
“The problem I’ve with Jon is he’s obtained the belt and I would like it. I would like it. I’ve obtained a belt too and I need to unify the belts. There shouldn’t be two heavyweight champions, there must be one, and I would like it to be me. In order that’s all I’m going for now…
“The problem is just not with Jon. The problem is just not with Stipe. The problem is with them holding the belt hostage. Give me the belt… The belt’s mine. I would like it. I’m right here for it. I’m right here to take it. When you assume you’re the person at heavyweight, I’ll take anyone. I’ll struggle anyone for the undisputed belt.”
