In an electrifying landscape that epitomizes the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, Tom Aspinall has emerged as a significant force. Aspinall recently secured a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title, solidifying his position as a rising star in the heavyweight division.
Aspinall's impressive ascent has not been without controversy. Following a commanding performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, Aspinall has set his sights high, aiming for the cream of the crop, specifically calling out Jon Jones. In a scathing critique, Aspinall accused Jones, who is now 37, of an inactive lifestyle, stating, "Let's be honest, and since I won that fight, he's gone completely quiet. He'll continue to go completely quiet about me until he retires. Because there's no way on Earth that he's going to fight me. Not a chance. I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him."
Jones, a legend in his own right, has had a decorated career but currently seems embroiled in a different kind of battle. The highly anticipated bout between Jones and Stipe Miocic, originally scheduled for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, was shelved due to Jones' injury-induced withdrawal. Consequently, Miocic was also pulled from the card, further delaying what fans had long awaited. Rumors now suggest that the bout might be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16, adding another layer of speculation and excitement.
Aspinall has openly questioned the relevance of Jones and Miocic in today's heavyweight division. "They don't f---ing deserve to be fighting for the heavyweight title. Them guys are not the top of the heavyweight division right now. Dana White and everybody else can say whatever they want, them guys aren't the best heavyweights in the world right now," he said, expressing his view with the characteristic confidence of a fighter on the rise.
Indeed, Aspinall's verbal jabs don’t stop at questioning their place in the division. He challenges the notion that Jones sees him as a future opponent. "I challenge anybody watching this interview to go and find the statement, quote, a video where Jon Jones is saying that he'll fight me after he's fought Stipe. It doesn't exist," Aspinall remarked, laying his cards on the table for all to see.
Jones, on the other hand, appears to have a different agenda as he approaches the twilight of his career. Aspinall hasn't been shy about pointing out Jones' current state, saying, "The guy's smart, and we know the guy's a bit overweight these days. The guy sat there with the Cheeto fingers or whatever, Doritos on his fingers with his iPhone in hand waiting for me to get knocked out [by Blaydes] so he could start tweeting about it." Such pointed criticisms highlight the growing tension between the two fighters.
Despite the criticisms, Jones remains focused on closing out his career on a high note. "I'm 37 years old now, I've kicked everyone's ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather and all the other retired bad asses," Jones said, revealing his aspirations beyond the octagon. He wants to be remembered not only for his fighting prowess but also as part of an elite group of sports legends who finished their careers with a flourish.
Meanwhile, Aspinall is not mincing his words when it comes to staking his claim as the rightful heir to the heavyweight throne. "I'm the guy at heavyweight, not him -- me. I want to be recognized as the best. I've got the real belt. I'm the one defending. He's defending against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic with a million miles on the clock. If you want to be the real guy, you have to fight me." Aspinall's words echo a clarion call to anyone who doubts his credentials, asserting his status as the premier heavyweight fighter.
The fans, as ever, are the wild cards in this unfolding drama. UFC fans are eagerly awaiting the rescheduled bout between Jones and Miocic, a fight imbued with the promise of history and high stakes. Yet, as the sport often shows, tomorrow’s king could very well come from today's upstarts like Aspinall, whose fervor and unyielding ambition are as potent as any left hook.