In a dramatic turn of events, Tom Aspinall has seized the attention of the UFC community with a commanding knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich, earning the interim heavyweight title. This victory adds to his impressive repertoire, which already includes a dominant performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
However, it's not just his victories that are making headlines. Aspinall has been vocal about his thoughts on Jon Jones, criticizing Jones’ perceived inactivity and questioning his standing in the current heavyweight division. "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 boldly stated.
The much-anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, initially scheduled for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, was shelved due to an injury to Jones. Following Jones' withdrawal, Miocic, a seasoned fighter with a 42-year-old body that's been through numerous battles, was also pulled from the card. Now, rumors are swirling that this bout may be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16.
Aspinall's criticism doesn't stop at just Jones. He has also targeted Miocic and the UFC's decision-making surrounding the heavyweight title. "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 remarked, making it clear that he believes both Jones and Miocic are past their primes.
Jon Jones, now 37 years old, sees his career in a different light. He aspires to finish on a high note, intending to maintain his legacy as one of the greatest. "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," said Jones. His confidence remains unshaken despite the fiery criticisms from Aspinall.
Jones has also expressed his ambitions beyond the octagon, stating, "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."
But Aspinall is not deterred by Jones' confidence. He is adamant about his status in the heavyweight division, declaring, "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."
This ongoing verbal feud adds another layer of excitement for UFC fans eagerly awaiting Jones' return and the potential rescheduling of the Jones vs. Miocic bout. As the drama unfolds, it's clear that the heavyweight division is far from settled, with fighters like Aspinall ready to challenge the old guard and cement their place in the annals of UFC history.