Tom
Aspinall understands why Jon Jones
wants to fight Stipe
Miocic.
Jones (27-1, 1 NC) was originally scheduled to defend his
heavyweight strap against Miocic (20-4) at UFC 295 in November 2023
but was forced out due to a torn pectoral muscle. To keep a
heavyweight title tilt on the card, Tom
Aspinall (14-3) faced and knocked out Sergei
Pavlovich for the interim variety. Since then, Jones has
suggested he will stay the course and has his sights set solely on
the former heavyweight champion rather than the surging
31-year-old.
With no timeline for Jones’ return, Aspinall initially called for
the champ to be stripped of his title. However, the Brit has since
changed his tune and has been rallying for a clash against Jones.
“Bones” does not want that matchup; the same goes for Miocic. Some
expect that when Jones and Miocic collide—a date for their meeting
is rumored for November—it will be a retirement match for both
heavyweights.
With Jones and Miocic turning him down, Aspinall agreed to defend
his interim throne against Curtis
Blaydes (18-4) in the co-main event at UFC 304. Jones took a
shot at the interim title defense, labeling it a ‘number one
contender’ fight. Despite the snub, Aspinall does not hold any ill
will towards Jones or Miocic, even saying he understands where they
are coming from. Aspinall talked with Title
Sports Network on Saturday, where he suggested that he might
have done the same if he were in Jones’ situation.
“No, no, no. I’d be very, very surprised if Jon Jones ever
signed a contract to fight me,” the 31-year-old Brit said.
“Very Surprised. I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I’m very
skeptical. Jon Jones is a
smart man. And if the shoe was on the other foot and I was in his
spot, and I was like, ‘Right, I can fight this 42-year-old guy
who’s at the end of his career and make probably five times more
money than he can fighting me,’ I would definitely do that as
well.”