SUMMARY
- Tom Aspinall stepped in on short notice to claim the Interim title at UFC 295.
- Tom Aspinall reduces Jon Jones' UFC legacy to ashes.
Tom Aspinall has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Ever since his debut, the Englishman has looked as though he was destined for greatness.
With his arrival in 2020, Aspinall made a name for himself. Racking up five finishes by March 2020, Tom had the fans hooked with his style and way of fighting. Despite a devastating MCL and ACL injury in his fight against Curtis Blaydes, he made a tremendous comeback in 2023. As such, Aspinall stepped in on short notice to claim the interim title at UFC 295 this year.
Now, he has his sights set on the undisputed title held by Jon Jones. Speaking on True Geordie’s podcast about Jones and his ‘legacy’, Aspinall had some qualms. “If you look at his actual resume, most of the guys he fought were middleweights”. Despite his doubts about Jones’ ‘legend’ status, he adds, “I think he’s one of the best fighters, ever. I literally believe that 100%. I’m a massive Jon Jones fan”.
For the most part, Jones is out with a shoulder injury, leading to his missing UFC 295. However, in his absence, Tom has staked his claim on the throne. Now, as Aspinall states, the UFC is seemingly protecting Jones, declaring Stipe Miocic his next fight. Understandably, this puts the Englishman in a precarious position.
Tom Aspinall wants to fight Jon Jones as soon as possible
According to Tom Aspinall, there is no doubt that he can beat Jon Jones. Although he did have a brutal injury, Tom coasted to victory against the likes of Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich. Notably, Pavlovich was a surging contender in the division and was touted to be Jones’ next opponent after Stipe.
Speaking on the podcast, Geordie and Tom Aspinall also discussed Jones’ warning to the Interim champ. Interestingly, Jones claimed that Tom hadn’t beaten any legends and did not deserve to be calling the title shots. In his response, the Englishman claimed that he couldn’t beat a legend if the legend (Jones) was ducking him. Further, Aspinall also pointed out how ‘Bones’ never agreed to fight him either.
I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. During camp for a title defense I sustained a major injury that required surgery for the first time in my career. Now I have newcomers requesting I get my championship stripped. Zero wins over…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) December 4, 2023
According to the 30-year-old, he believes that Jon will try to retire after getting the Stipe fight. Since he is expected to win that fight, it would also be a perfect sendoff for the 36-year-old, preserving his legacy as a ‘GOAT’. “I’d be surprised if we got to fight. I would love it and I think he’s smart. If the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t fight me either,” said Tom Aspinall.
Although he is not too high in the clouds, Aspinall clarifies that it makes sense for Jones to try and dodge the next big thing. On the other hand, it leaves the interim champ hanging, waiting for a fight that might not even happen. Currently, it is unknown when ‘Bones’ will take on Stipe Miocic and whether he will stay to defend his title after that against Aspinall. What do you make of the situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.