Aspinall Takes Aim at Jon Jones as UFC Heavyweight Drama Intensifies
In a thrilling turn of events in the UFC heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall has positioned himself as a top contender by securing a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich, claiming the interim title. Aspinall's recent triumph has incited a war of words between him and Jon Jones, the seasoned yet controversial figure in mixed martial arts.
Aspinall's commanding performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 set the stage for his recent success. The British fighter's ascendance in the heavyweight echelon is driving shifts in the pecking order, challenging the long-standing status of veterans Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Aspinall has not been shy about his opinions, especially regarding Jones.
"Let's be honest, and since I won that fight, he's gone completely quiet. He'll continue to go completely quiet about me until he retires. Because there's no way on Earth that he's going to fight me. Not a chance. I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him," Aspinall declared. His sense of urgency and desire to cement his status in the heavyweight division is palpable.
Jones vs. Miocic: A Postponed Showdown
The anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic originally scheduled for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, hit a snag with Jones' injury-induced withdrawal. Miocic, once the king of the heavyweights, was pulled from the card following Jones' departure, leaving UFC fans in suspense. Given the rumors, the fight might find its new date at UFC 309 on November 16, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Unyielding Critique
Aspinall has been outspoken about Jones' current standing, deriding his inactive lifestyle and suggesting that both Jones and Miocic are not the pinnacle of today's heavyweight division. "They don't f---ing deserve to be fighting for the heavyweight title. Them guys are not the top of the heavyweight division right now. Dana White and everybody else can say whatever they want, them guys aren't the best heavyweights in the world right now," Aspinall stated.
He continued his critique, casting doubt on the likelihood of ever facing Jones in the octagon. "I challenge anybody watching this interview to go and find the statement, quote, a video where Jon Jones is saying that he'll fight me after he's fought Stipe. It doesn't exist," he asserted. Aspinall's frustration with Jones' perceived avoidance of the fight is clear.
Jones' Perspective
On the other side, Jon Jones has his sights set on a triumphant swan song. "I'm 37 years old now, I've kicked everyone's ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather and all the other retired bad asses," Jones expressed. The fighter, who has battled legal troubles and personal issues outside the cage, seems keen on exiting the sport on a high note.
Jones remains confident in his legacy, undeterred by Aspinall's provocations. "Maybe Tom will go on and beat Stipe's record one day, right now I'm focusing on goat things. The beautiful thing about being in my position is I'm not defined by one fight. Most of you grew up watching me win," he elaborated. Jones is determined to solidify his place among the greats before hanging up his gloves.
Next Steps for Aspinall
Aspinall's ambition to be recognized as the undisputed best in the division is unwavering. "I'm the guy at heavyweight, not him -- me. I want to be recognized as the best. I've got the real belt. I'm the one defending. He's defending against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic with a million miles on the clock. If you want to be the real guy, you have to fight me," he proclaimed.
UFC fans remain eager to see how these narratives will unfold, particularly the rescheduled bout between Jones and Miocic. Will Jones manage to make a victorious return and conclude his career on a high, or will Aspinall's rising star force a reevaluation of the heavyweight hierarchy? As the drama continues to build, the UFC heavyweight division is primed for some of the most exciting matchups in recent memory.