In a whirlwind of events that have reshaped the UFC landscape, Tom Aspinall has emerged not just as a formidable contender but as a vocal critic of some of the sport’s most legendary figures. Fresh off a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title, Aspinall is not holding back. The British fighter, known for his sharp wit and even sharper skills in the octagon, delivered a commanding performance at UFC 304 against Curtis Blaydes, further solidifying his status.
The highly anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, initially set for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, was derailed following Jones’ withdrawal due to injury. Miocic, regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, was subsequently removed from the card. Speculation is rife that the showdown might be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16. Fans are clinging onto hope for this clash of titans, showcasing their unwavering eagerness for the bout to take place.
Aspinall's Bold Assertions
Aspinall has not shied away from expressing his views on Jones and Miocic. He asserts that both veterans are no longer at the pinnacle of the 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," Aspinall boldly declared.
His criticism of Jones, particularly, has been scathing and unrelenting. "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," Aspinall proclaimed with conviction. The UFC interim champion contends that Jones’ silence speaks volumes about his reluctance to face newer, more formidable challengers.
Jones' Uncertain Future
Jones, now 37 years old, has expressed his desire to conclude 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 shared, indicating his aspirations post-retirement. The two-time light heavyweight champion and current heavyweight contender seems to be aiming for a graceful exit, cementing his legacy among the all-time greats.
Despite his ambitions, Aspinall remains skeptical of Jones' current form and commitment to the sport. "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," Aspinall quipped, alluding to Jones’ inactivity and apparent lack of readiness for a serious bout.
The Battle for Recognition
Aspinall's recent statements underscore his belief that he, not Jones or Miocic, should be recognized as the best in the division. "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 argued, positioning himself as the rightful heir to the heavyweight throne.
Jones, however, remains undeterred by such claims. He hinted at the overarching picture of his career, stating, "Maybe Tom will go on and beat Stipe's record one day, right now I'm focusing on goat things. The beautiful thing about being in my position is I'm not defined by one fight. Most of you grew up watching me win." This response subtly suggests that Jones’ legendary status transcends any single bout, embodying a legacy built over years of dominance.
The anticipation among UFC fans is palpable as they await the rescheduled Jones vs. Miocic bout. The potential clash promises to be a defining moment, not just for the fighters involved but for the entire heavyweight division. Aspinall's assertive claims and his relentless pursuit of recognition have injected fresh excitement into the sport, ensuring that the coming months will be pivotal. As the heavyweight division braces for these impending showdowns, the only certainty is that the narrative of UFC's heavyweight hierarchy is far from over.