Aspinall's Commanding Victory and the Impending Jon Jones Drama
Tom Aspinall has once again placed himself firmly in the spotlight of the UFC heavyweight division with a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title. This performance reaffirms his standings in the division, especially following his commanding showing against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
The much-anticipated Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic bout, originally slated for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, has now become a topic of intense speculation after being postponed due to Jones' injury-induced withdrawal. Miocic was subsequently pulled from the card, leaving fans waiting for more information. Rumors suggest that the fight might be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16, which has only fueled speculations further.
When speaking about Jones and Miocic, Aspinall has not held back his views. "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 asserted. Such bold statements highlight his confidence and frustration about the current state of the heavyweight division.
Aspinall has also been open about his criticism of Jon Jones' allegedly inactive lifestyle, remarking on Jones’ supposed inactivity and lack of interest in facing him. "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 declared, accusing Jones of avoiding him.
Indeed, Jones' focus appears to be on ending his illustrious career on a high note. "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. His aspirations to join the league of retired sports legends suggest a shift in priorities as he nears the end of his career.
However, Jones hasn't shied away from addressing Aspinall's comments. "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 responded, highlighting his legacy and the pressure that comes with it.
Aspinall doesn't believe Jones and Miocic deserve their current spotlight. "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 claimed emphatically, challenging the current UFC narrative.
Adding to the controversy, Aspinall positions himself as the rightful champion. "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 insisted, emphasizing his readiness and legitimacy as the top contender.
The anticipation for the rescheduled bout between Jones and Miocic remains high among UFC fans. A clash that promises fireworks, especially given the backdrop of Aspinall’s recent comments and performances. Aspinall's rise has injected new excitement and dynamism into the heavyweight division, and his calls for recognition raise crucial questions about the future trajectory of the sport. Whether Jones will address these challenges directly or continue on his path toward an iconic retirement remains to be seen. For now, the heavyweight division is rife with talent, drama, and a narrative that keeps fans eagerly watching.