In the UFC, an interim champion typically competes in a title unification bout against the reigning champion. In the heavyweight division, interim champion Tom Aspinall has been pursuing a title unification fight with Jon Jones for some time. The reigning UFC heavyweight champion recently reiterated his position regarding a potential matchup with Aspinall.
The UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones spoke with popular MMA journalist Kevin Iole. During the interview, Jones covered various intriguing topics, including his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic. At one point in the discussion, Jones addressed the ongoing callouts from interim champion Tom Aspinall. As such, ’Bones’ seemingly downplayed the possibility of a future fight against him.
More than likely not. I feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don’t want to say ’nobody’, but he just hasn’t proven anything. He hasn’t done anything… I’m not here to gamble someone else making a name off of me. I’m here to compete against the guys where, when we look back ten years from now, it’ll be like ’Jon Jones fought this guy and that guy and this legend and this champion…
Jon Jones via Kevin Iole’s official YouTube channel
Bones provided a specific reason for overlooking a potential matchup with the British fighter. According to Jones, Aspinall has not achieved anything significant in the promotion. Even though Aspinall is currently on a three-fight win streak and has an 8-1 record in the UFC, Jones does not consider him worthy of a title unification fight.
Jon Jones says he will “probably not” defend his title against Tom Aspinall if he beats Stipe Miocic at #UFC309
He also says if he fights again after Stipe, it will probably be against Alex Pereira
🎥 @KevinI #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/kIwVHdatJt
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 7, 2024
Consecutively, Aspinall has repeatedly criticized the heavyweight champion in an attempt to provoke him into accepting a title unification bout. Jones is steadfast in his decision not to fight Aspinall. Currently, he is focused on facing former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
Interestingly, the interim champion will serve as a backup for that fight at UFC 309. He remains just an injury away from competing for the undisputed title. With just a few days remaining until this heavyweight clash, Aspinall also shared his insights on how their fight might unfold.
Tom Aspinall previews the upcoming fight between Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones is one of the standout fighters in the UFC. Throughout his career, he has delivered numerous exceptional performances, which have helped him achieve his current status. Remarkably, in his more than a decade-long career, Jones has been defeated only once, and that loss was by disqualification. With such an impressive record, Bones is the favorite in his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic.
Interestingly, the interim champion, Tom Aspinall, does not view Jones as the favorite. As such, the British fighter believes that Miocic possesses all the necessary skills to defeat the heavyweight champion. In a recent interview, Aspinall referenced the former heavyweight champion’s impressive history of knocking out his opponents, which would benefit him against Jones.
It’s pretty simple, punch him in the face hard. That’s the way he’s gonna win. Stipe (Miocic) has got a lot of knockouts on his record. We don’t know if Jones’ power, he’s not really known for his power anyway, how does that look at heavyweight? It’s still a bit of a question mark….
Tom Aspinall via Red Corner MMA
In the UFC community, Miocic is renowned for his exceptional striking ability. He has achieved remarkable victories over several formidable heavyweight fighters, showcasing his powerful knockout skills. However, it remains to be seen how Miocic utilizes his skillset against a formidable fighter like Jones.
