Over the years, the media has played a significant role in revealing a fighter’s mentality before a match. Recently, during the pre-fight media activities for the upcoming UFC 309 fight card, the UFC heavyweight champion sparked controversy. Surprisingly, Jon Jones refused to give an interview to a British reporter who had close ties to his opponent, Tom Aspinall.
Jon Jones is scheduled to face former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic this weekend. While many find this match-up intriguing, British heavyweight fighter Tom Aspinall does not share this view. Aspinall has consistently criticized this match-up, expressing his desire for a title unification bout against Jones instead. As fight week approaches, Jones has continued to ignore Aspinall’s requests.
British interviewer Adam Catterall is a close friend of the UFC interim heavyweight champion. The two have often been seen spending time together working for TNT Sports. However, ahead of the UFC 309 fight night, Catterall was scheduled to interview Jones.
This interview did not take place, as Jones opted not to go through with it. One of the reasons for that was Bones speculated that Catterall might question him about Aspinall. So far, multiple people have questioned Jones about Aspinall including many fans on social media.
Jon Jones refused to do an interview with Adam from TNT Sports because of his ties with Tom Aspinall 😬
“Common sense tells me what type of questions I’m just going to get asked.”
🎥 @ufcontnt #UFC #MMA #UFC309pic.twitter.com/hRZ4YtkSsy
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 14, 2024
The heavyweight champion is facing significant criticism for avoiding a potential fight with the interim heavyweight champion. Initially, Jones seemed inclined to fight Aspinall after his bout with Miocic. However, the Brit’s constant callouts have frustrated the champion. As a result, he has completely refused to grant Aspinall a fight, even after UFC 309. Consequently, the public has started to label Jones as ‘duck.’
Fight fans react to Jon Jones avoiding an interview with Tom Aspinall’s friend
Jon Jones is widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters in UFC history. However, his recent career has been plagued by delays due to injuries and other issues. Tom Aspinall stated that Jones effectively holds the heavyweight division hostage, which has stagnated as a result. Aspinall, an active fighter, wishes to seize the spotlight from Jones and take control of the heavyweight division.
Several fight fans have interestingly started to support the theory surrounding Aspinall. As a result, they have begun criticizing Jones, labeling him as someone who is avoiding competition within the promotion. Check out some of the reactions from the fight fans below.
Jon Jones tainting his own legacy this last week has been a real joy to watch.
Most disputed champion of all time 🦆 https://t.co/HuwrVb6BWM
— Harry Baker (@harry_lbaker) November 14, 2024
There’s no fucking way😭 it’s getting comical how sad he is at this point..
— Jürgen Slot (@jurgenslot97) November 14, 2024
lmao, Jon is making the situation worse https://t.co/ZMi9kYPOYK
— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) November 14, 2024
As a jones fan this is absolutely pathetic https://t.co/MHfRy4Mm5A
— FATSO FLASH 2.0 (@SirPunchalot69) November 14, 2024
Tom’s aura got Jones ducking an interview from a professional journalist just because Adam will likely ask the question that any journalist or even fan would ask. You have to unify your division when there is a interim champ, otherwise you can’t claim to be the undisputed champ
— The Combat Sports Matrixer (@TheCSMatrixer) November 14, 2024
It’s been a hard week for jones fans😭😭
— CaFIEND (@Megatron55th) November 14, 2024
😭😭.
Bro is never beating them allegations
Jesus Christ I never fucking imagined JBJ avoiding a interview with Adam Catterall— Pearse Fitzpatrick. (@CelticWolfsBane) November 14, 2024
He heard the English accent and left
— Anonymous gamblers (@AnonymousbetX) November 14, 2024
Never beating the duck allegations
— RB (@RuxLaurence) November 14, 2024
Jon jones is now ducking people asscocated with Aspinal. He might actually be the GOAT of ducking.
— All Combat Sports. (@EthanEd84496672) November 14, 2024
Many fans expressed their harsh criticism towards the UFC heavyweight champion. Despite this, Jones is currently focused on his upcoming heavyweight showdown against a tough opponent. Meanwhile, Aspinall remains the backup fighter for the bout between Jones and Miocic. If anything goes wrong before the fight, the British fighter may get the chance to prove his worth in the heavyweight division.
