SUMMARY
- Jon Jones criticizes Tom Aspinall, questioning the legitimacy of Aspinall's resume and calling out his callouts.
- Tom Aspinall responds to Jones, acknowledging the difference in their resumes but expressing his desire to beat Jones.
Former 2-time Light Heavyweight champion and the current Heavyweight champion of the UFC, Jon Jones recently fired shots at UFC’s Interim Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, on November 11. Tom later on responded to Jon’s accusations by calling him out instead.
In 2023, Jones defeated Ciryl Gane and was scheduled to defend his heavyweight title for the first time against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295. Unfortunately, ‘Bones’ had to withdraw after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle. Tom Aspinall beat Sergei Pavlovich to clinch UFC’s Interim Heavyweight title and now has to play the waiting game until the Jones vs Miocic fight plays out.
Amid this very waiting game, Jones took shots at the Interim champ on January 9, 2024, on X. Jones tweeted, “Only four recognizable opponents, and already the king of England, must be nice. There will be legendary tales told about you and your infamous callouts.😒”. This follows Tom’s numerous call-outs to Jones after securing the Interim title for a showdown in the octagon.
Jon Jones going after Tom Aspinall 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/VHYIZ0pJhr
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 9, 2024
Replying to a fan who defended Aspinall, Jones tweeted, “I mean, it doesn’t really work like that. I was a champion when I was 23 years old, you can’t show up at age 30 pretending like you’ve been chasing me your whole life. I have no clue who 90% of his résumé is, meanwhile, I’ve been highlighting UFC events my entire career.”
Jones further sent out a message to his followers stating how the world can be a wild place. How people can be quick in discrediting your work, in trying to replace you and throw you out. He further asked people to be “absolutely undeniable”.
It’s a wild world we live in! People can be so quick to try to replace you, throw you away, discredit your work. That’s the best thing about them stats or just being able to see the fruits of your labor. Be an absolute savage at what you do, at whatever capacity that may be. Let…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 9, 2024
Aspinall was quick to respond to these tweets made by Jon. He replied to Jon’s earlier tweet by saying, “Jon you’re letting your ego run wild here mate. I’m not downplaying you’re résumé, it’s incredible. Far superior to mine. You are known as the best fighter ever, and that’s EXACTLY why I want to beat you. Surely you can understand that?”
LET HIM COOK pic.twitter.com/6hyOp6jt87
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 9, 2024
Tom went a step ahead and further called out Jones for his indecision to fight with him when the UFC was putting that offer on the table after Jones had earlier made a statement saying, “You need to fight people who build your legacy”. Aspinall has triumphed in this verbal exchange on X. However, we have yet to witness the outcome of the encounter between the two heavyweights in the octagon
Jon Jones’ elbow surgery won’t extend UFC return delay
Jon Jones underwent elbow surgery on January 8, 2024, but he assures fans that the procedure won’t further postpone his anticipated return to the UFC. Initially slated to defend his heavyweight title at UFC 295 in November, Jones had to withdraw from the bout against Stipe Miocic due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained during training. Following surgery to address the pectoral injury, Jones is on track to make a comeback this summer.
While recovering from the pectoral muscle repair, Jones took the opportunity to address lingering issues with his left elbow. The recent surgery, conducted by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California, involved a two-hour procedure to shave down bone spurs. Jones shared the news of his surgery on Instagram, revealing a 10-week healing process for his elbow. Fortunately, this timeline aligns with the recovery period he already needed for the pectoral surgery.
View this post on Instagram
Expressing gratitude for the support from fans, Jones acknowledged the temporary setback in his recovery journey. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of patience and thanked his supporters for their positive energy. Looking ahead, Jones prepares to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic, resuming the high-profile matchup that they previously canceled.
While interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has voiced his desire to face Jones, UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the idea. Although an exact timeline for Jones’ return remains unspecified, it is anticipated that he will be cleared to compete by mid-2024. Fans eagerly await Jones’ comeback and the resumption of his championship journey in the UFC.
What is your opinion about Tom Aspinall calling out Jon Jones? Should UFC strip Jon Jones of the Heavyweight title? Tell us in the comments below.