UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has expressed his willingness to fight either Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic, but believes he is currently too risky for them, and plans to forge his own path in the sport.
UFC interim heavyweight champ, Tom Aspinall, made it clear. He’d take a fight with Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic in a heartbeat. This was revealed during his recent chat on The MMA Hour.
But, don’t expect him to beg for it. After failed attempts to pique the interest of the current and former champs, he’s decided to carve his own way. Wherever that may lead him.
Why isn’t he fighting either Jones or Miocic right now? Aspinall has a theory. He’s left in the cold due to a rescheduled title fight between the two.
“I’m too dangerous, man,” he stated. “Simple. I’m too risky for these guys.” He’s not blaming anyone though. He even imagines he might do the same if the roles were reversed.
Aspinall has nothing but respect for both fighters. “These guys are friggin’ heroes of mine.” He’d love the chance to fight them, but if it’s not happening, it’s not happening. No more tears over it.
He was ready to fight on the April 13 card in Las Vegas. He was given two separate options, but neither panned out.
“They offered me Stipe, and I was like, of course,” Aspinall shared. But an hour later, they were back. “No, Stipe just wants to fight Jones.” There were talks about Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight. Aspinall’s response? “I’m not the kind of guy who’s gonna start turning down fights.”
Rumors started swirling about a potential fight between him and Alex. There was some online banter, but it seems Alex isn’t ready to move up to heavyweight yet. Aspinall respects that. “Fair play. I’m not going to push for that anymore.”
UFC 300 is still without a headliner, much to the disappointment of fight fans worldwide. Aspinall isn’t ruling out an appearance on the spring card. After all, he won the interim belt on two weeks’ notice when Jones pulled out a UFC 295 headliner against Miocic due to injury. He ended up facing Sergei Pavlovich.
Jones and Miocic are expected to meet later this year when Jones is healthy. This could mean a long wait for Aspinall if he decides to wait for the winner.
Aspinall sees himself as the true king of the heavyweight division, undisputed belt or not. And a king doesn’t whine when a challenger won’t fight.
He admits to some online “crying,” and many fans sided with him. “I don’t think the thing that’s going on with Jon Jones is right. I don’t think that the UFC’s decision is right.” But he respects their decision. And he’s ready to move on and prove he’s the best.
In a recent interview, Jones didn’t completely rule out fighting Aspinall. He advised the British heavyweight to stay active and keep winning fights.
Aspinall agreed. “I’ve shown nothing but respect for Jon Jones. I respect him more than a lot of people, put it that way.” He appreciates the advice and won’t let it hold him back.