Tom Aspinall is the interim champion and prime contender in the heavyweight division. After a successful win at UFC 304, the next obvious step would be a title shot against division champion Jon Jones. However, Aspinall does not think so. Here is what happened.
Tom Aspinall recently sat down for a conversation on the Believe You Me Podcast. During his discussion with Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith, Aspinall made some bold claims about Jon Jones. He even stated that he could “retire him without even fighting.”
And since I won that fight, he’s gone completely quiet and he’ll continue to go completely quiet about me until he retires because there’s no way on earth he is going to fight me. Not a chance. I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him.
Tom Aspinall on the Believe You Me Podcast
The Brit also expressed frustration over being overlooked despite his recent success. Earlier this July, Tom Aspinall successfully defended his interim heavyweight title with a quick knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes. The fight was a rematch from their 2022 bout, where Aspinall suffered a leg injury early on. This time, Aspinall dominated and finished Blaydes in just under one minute.
Tom Aspinall goes IN on Jon Jones 😳
“We know [Jon Jones is] a bit overweight these days, the guy was sat there with the Cheeto fingers… waiting for me to get knocked out so he could start tweeting about it..
Since I won that fight he’s gone completely quiet… I will retire… pic.twitter.com/ix8HtUFCUF
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 19, 2024
Aspinall now criticized Jones for staying silent after his victory over Curtis Blaydes. He suggested that Jones was actually hoping for his defeat. The Brit also believes the UFC is protecting Jones by delaying a fight between them and accused Jones of opting to face Stipe Miocic instead. Aspinall is confident that he is the best heavyweight but feels he is not getting the recognition or opportunities he deserves.
Tom Aspinall accuses UFC of holding the heavyweight belt hostage
Tom Aspinall made some interesting claims during his time on the Believe You Me podcast. The Brit claimed that Dana White and Co. were protecting the heavyweight champion and holding out the UFC belt. Many observed the same with Alex Pereira in the light heavyweight division.
People on the internet have recently criticized Dana White for overtly hyping Jon Jones on every platform possible. Aspinall pointed this out saying that if the heavyweight champion was really that good, why were they stalling a fight with him?
The way I look at it, I’m the best Heavyweight in the world. I’m not getting my credit for it. They’re holding the belt hostage, mate, and Jon Jones is loving it.
Tom Aspinall on the Believe You Me Podcast
However, Jones is currently focused on his planned matchup with Stipe Miocic. White mentioned that Aspinall would likely get a shot at the winner of Jones vs. Miocic, assuming neither fighter retires afterward. The unpredictability has made his highly anticipated matchup even more interesting.
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