Tom Aspinall shares encouraging update on potential Jon Jones showdown after speaking with UFC bosses
11/17/2024 07:07 AM
UFC interim champion Tom Aspinall is now seemingly closer to securing an eagerly anticipated title shot against heavyweight king Jon Jones.
The Brit was cageside for Jones' emphatic performance at UFC 309 last night, when the American landed a spinning back kick to halt Stipe Miocic in the third round.
In truth, the clash went exactly how the majority of MMA fans expected it to go, with 'Bones' overwhelming his 42-year-old opponent with his superior speed and movement.
But now, after making the first defense of his UFC heavyweight title, it appears that Jon Jones will no longer be afforded the luxury of avoiding Tom Aspinall.
- Read More [Jon Jones makes definitive statement on retirement following KO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309]
Tom Aspinall edges closer to UFC title shot following Jon Jones' victory over Stipe Miocic
Jones became a two-division UFC champion at the beginning of last year, dispatching Ciryl Gane with a lethal first-round submission in his heavyweight debut.
Since that performance, Aspinall has been clamoring for a shot at the top dog, insisting that he has earned the opportunity to face the very best of his division.
Indeed, the 31-year-old has made a monumental statement in recent years, steamrolling his last six opponents with devastating first-round stoppages.
But still, while Aspinall has now held the interim title for more than a year, Jones has nonetheless refused to entertain a dustup with the knockout artist.
Instead, the former light heavyweight champion has expressed a desire to face Alex Pereira, claiming that a win over the current champion at 205 lbs would mean more for his legacy.
After speaking with the powers that be at the UFC, though, Aspinall is confident that Jones' arm will be twisted.
"I was getting a few nods and winks off the [UFC] bosses when Jon Jones was talking about [his] next fight," Aspinall told TNT Sports.
"That means a lot to me and not only that, I’ve spoken to the UFC brass this week and both guys are talking about this being the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history – absolutely no doubt about it.
"Potentially one of the biggest fights in UFC history: this is what the people want to see, and we’ve got to give it to them."
Jon Jones targets Alex Pereira following victory at UFC 309
While Aspinall remains hopeful that a fight with Jones will eventually materialize, his potential opponent has expressed a vastly different attitude.
Rather, Jones has maintained his ambition to face Pereira, revealing that he is unwilling to give Aspinall a shot at his title.
Not only that, but the UFC legend has now claimed that he hates the number one contender – and ultimately finds him 'annoying.'
That said, it is possible that Jones could be put in an awkward position where he can either face Aspinall or vacate his belt.
