Tom Aspinall is eager for a shot at Jon Jones and ready to step in if needed. After successfully defending his interim heavyweight title at UFC 304 with a quick victory over Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall expressed his desire for a fight with Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion. Jones is set to face former champion Stipe Miocic in his first title defense, rumored to take place at UFC 309 in November.
“I know you’ve got your fight coming up, Jon,” Aspinall said in a YouTube video. “If that does happen, I’ll be ready to jump in if one of you pulls out. If you successfully defend against Stipe, I’ll be in the crowd waiting for you to hand me the undisputed title.”
Despite Aspinall’s focus on securing a fight with Jones since winning his interim belt, he has faced challenges in getting that opportunity, especially with Miocic’s upcoming title shot despite his age and time away from the sport.
However, Aspinall revealed the UFC has spoken to him about being the backup fighter for the Jones-Miocic matchup. “After my fight with Curtis Blaydes, there was talk about me being the backup. The UFC approached me, and I said I’m in. If someone pulls out, I’ll be prepared,” he stated. Aspinall emphasized that he considers himself the top heavyweight, dismissing the age and injury concerns surrounding Jones and Miocic.
Rumors have circulated regarding Miocic’s potential injuries, which adds to the uncertainty as Aspinall remains ready for a title shot. “I’m fully prepared. I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m hungry for it, and I’ll fight either of them for the undisputed title at any notice,” Aspinall declared.
While Aspinall is eager to prove he is the best heavyweight in the world, sources suggest Jones vs. Miocic is still expected to occur in November. Aspinall, who has defeated multiple fighters ranked in the UFC’s top 10 at heavyweight, is frustrated by the current situation.
“Jon Jones had an amazing career, but I believe I’m the No. 1 heavyweight,” Aspinall stated. “I want what’s mine. There shouldn’t be two heavyweight champions; there should be one, and I want to unify the belts.”
Ultimately, Aspinall’s focus remains on proving himself as the true heavyweight champion, stating, “If you think you’re the man at heavyweight, I’ll fight anybody for the undisputed belt.”
Credit: MMA Fighting
