Tom Aspinall's recent exploits in the UFC have catapulted him to the forefront of the heavyweight division. His decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title has not only solidified his standing but also intensified the discourse around his potential bout with Jon Jones.
A Dominating Presence
Aspinall's commanding performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 showcased his talent and tactical prowess. Since then, he has been vocal about his place in the heavyweight hierarchy. "Let's be honest, and since I won that fight, he's gone completely quiet," Aspinall remarked, alluding to Jones. "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."
Indeed, Jon Jones, a legend in the sport, has remained somewhat silent about facing Aspinall. This reticence comes amid speculation about the timing and nature of Jones' next fight.
Jones vs. Miocic: The Waiting Game
The highly anticipated bout between Jones and Stipe Miocic was initially set for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. However, an injury to Jones led to the fight's postponement, with Miocic subsequently being pulled from the card. Rumors now suggest a potential rescheduling for UFC 309 on November 16, but official confirmation remains pending.
Aspinall has not minced words about his view on the Jones vs. Miocic match-up. "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," he stated. Aspinall's critique stems from his belief that he, not Jones or Miocic, epitomizes the pinnacle of the division.
The Aspinall-Jones Conundrum
The dialogue around a potential fight between Aspinall and Jones has been fueled by the interim champion's unyielding stance. "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," Aspinall argued, questioning Jones’ intent to face him.
This tension is amplified by Aspinall's jibes about Jones' current lifestyle. "The guy's smart, and we know the guy's a bit overweight these days. The guy sat there with the Cheeto fingers or whatever, Doritos on his fingers with his iPhone in hand waiting for me to get knocked out [by Blaydes] so he could start tweeting about it." Such comments paint a vivid picture of the contentious atmosphere in the heavyweight division.
Jones Eyes the Finale
Meanwhile, Jon Jones’ focus appears to be on his legacy and retirement. At 37, Jones is open about his aspirations beyond the octagon. "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 stated, outlining his desire to conclude his illustrious career on a high note.
However, this retirement discourse has not deterred Aspinall from positioning himself as the sport's next big name. "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," Aspinall declared, emphasizing his claim to the heavyweight throne.
Fan Anticipation and Next Steps
The rescheduled bout between Jones and Miocic remains a focal point for UFC fans, who are eagerly awaiting its fruition. But Aspinall’s emergence injects an additional layer of complexity into the heavyweight narrative. His callout of Jones and dismissal of the Miocic bout reflect a broader debate about the future of the division.
As the situation develops, the UFC heavyweight division stands at a crossroads. Whether Jones and Miocic will eventually face off, and whether Aspinall will get his desired fight against Jones, are questions that linger. For now, Aspinall's decisive performances and outspoken demeanor have undoubtedly secured his place in the spotlight.