Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has responded to Jon Jones during the UFC 309 fight week. Bones’ Jones, the heavyweight champion, is set to fight former division king Stipe Miocic instead of the current interim title holder.
Tom Aspinall Slams Jon Jones Ahead of UFC 309
The English-born Tom Aspinall has put together an impressive win streak in the UFC heavyweight division. He has now captured and defended the UFC interim title. ‘Bones’ Jones is the UFC heavyweight champion, having captured the title in early 2023 but has yet to defend it.
Aspinall explained on his YouTube:
“I’m a bit disappointed that Jon, as the great champion he is, doesn’t want to give other guys the opportunity. Most champions would want to put the guy breathing down their neck in their place. If Jon thinks I don’t deserve it, then show me. If you kick my ass in front of the whole world, I’ll happily put my hand out and say, ‘You’re the better man, no problem.’ But this ducking and diving isn’t something I respect.
“This isn’t about Jon’s career, his legacy, or who he’s fighting—it’s because I want that belt. That’s all I care about. I want to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight on the planet, and he’s avoiding me.”
The UK-born fighter explained that Jones did the same thing to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Aspinall continued:
“Don’t be surprised that Jon always takes fights where he has an advantage. He avoided Francis Ngannou for three years. Jon always picks fights where he’s at an advantage, and that’s just a fact. I’m not coming after Jon personally, I’m coming after the belt. He has what I deserve, and I want to prove I’m the guy.”
On the UFC 309 main event, Tom Aspinall made his feelings clear about Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, adding:
“Two champions are fighting, and one of them—Jon Jones—is avoiding the other champion, me. He’s chosen to fight a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic“