A Jon Jones victory at UFC 309 could complicate things further for interim champ Tom Aspinall. Since the English fighter picked up the interim crown last year, Jones has seemingly denied him a chance at unification. At every step of the way, Jones has made it quite clear that Aspinall simply doesn’t deserve that fight. Accomplishment-wise, he feels Aspinall doesn’t belong with him.
In a recent interview with ESPN MMA leading up to UFC 309, the heavyweight champion was quizzed about numerous callouts. Taking a page out of Conor McGregor’s playbook, Jones suggested that fighting him is in everyone’s best interest. ‘Bones’ further listed down all the reasons why he feels the English champion hasn’t done enough to merit a fight with him.
Everyone wants to fight me. That’s just what it is. What does Conor calls it? Red Panty Night? Tom’s head is in the right place, he should want to fight top guys in the world. I believe he has time to fight top guys in the world. As far as fighting me right now? I am fighting Stipe…I am aware of Tom… Right now, the only champion he has ever fought against or beat was Andrei Arlovski, who was way past his prime.
Jon Jones via ESPN MMA Interview
The Albuquerque resident has stated that Aspinall’s interim title is invalid. Jones suggested it was merely a trigger response from UFC in the face of his unfortunate shoulder injury. Moreover, ‘Bones’ has made it quite clear that he is only interested in the Alex Pereira super fight after UFC 309. The decorated fighter took it a step further and suggested he would give up the heavyweight title to book this mega-fight.
It doesn’t seem like Aspinall’s status as a backup fighter for UFC 309 will aid him here, either. Even if some tragedy were to occur, his unification bout would still be up in limbo. Even though the 31-year-old fighter has defended his interim belt once already, it doesn’t seem like it will lead him to the undisputed throne. It appears his next fight will have someone other than Jones.
Jon Jones reacts to MMA fans trolling him over refusal to fight Tom Aspinall
The English fighter hasn’t given up on his campaign for a title unification bout. Calling the clash of heavyweight at UFC 309 a retirement party, Aspinall believes he deserves the next crack at undisputed gold. This is a feeling that resonates quite well with MMA fans, who have left duck emojis and more to troll Jon Jones.
Responding to the fans’ continuous attempt to antagonize him, Jon Jones chuckled at their reaction. He dubbed it childish. The heavyweight champion doubled down on the trolling and stated that he was unbothered by it. Fans can call him anything under the sun, but he isn’t going to change his mind regarding Aspinall.
I see quite a few people in here calling me a duck. I’m a duck! Call me a duck, call me a chicken, call me a GOAT. Call me a dog. I’m not in high school anymore, guys. Grown man out here chasing his dreams. It’s funny that we really live in a world where being called a duck should affect me. Guys, come on.
Jon Jones via Instagram
Jones has been among the most successful athletes ever to step foot in the octagon. His impressive run at light heavyweight, combined with numerous UFC records, truly sets him apart from his peers. This could be a major reason why Aspinall wants to add such a name to resume, but it looks like his fate rests on Dana White’s hand.
