Tom Aspinall has made it clear he believes he should be next in line for a shot at UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, not Stipe Miocic. Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champ, hasn’t shied away from calling out Jones ahead of the latter’s November 9th title defense against Miocic. In fact, Aspinall’s confidence is so high, he claims he’ll “retire Jon Jones without even fighting him.”
Aspinall’s last outing saw him dominate the octagon, securing a stunning first-round TKO victory, reinforcing his claim as one of the best heavyweights in the UFC today. But despite his undeniable momentum, the Englishman feels he’s being overlooked in favor of Miocic, who hasn’t fought since his 2021 loss to Francis Ngannou.
Aspinall vs. Jones: A Clash That Should Happen?
While Jon Jones is set to defend his title against the 42-year-old Miocic, Aspinall believes the real fight should be between him and the current champion. He’s made no secret of his frustration, sharing his thoughts on the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast with UFC veterans Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith.
“The way I see it, I’m the best heavyweight in the world right now,” Aspinall stated. “Jon Jones is enjoying the spotlight, and Dana [White] is backing him every chance he gets. But if Jon is as good as everyone says, then let’s fight and see who’s truly the best.”
Aspinall, who took home the interim title after a devastating first-round knockout against Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023, has been seen as a rising star in the heavyweight division for years. At 31, he’s in his prime, and he’s eager to claim the official heavyweight crown. Yet, despite his credentials, Jones seems to be keeping his distance from the British challenger.
Is Jones Avoiding Aspinall?
Aspinall went further, accusing Jones of actively avoiding any talk of a fight between the two. “Jon Jones was hoping I’d lose against Curtis Blaydes. He didn’t want me as a challenger,” Aspinall claimed. “There’s not a single quote, video, or statement out there where Jon Jones says he’ll fight me after Miocic. It doesn’t exist. The guy is smart. He’s silent because he knows what will happen.”
Known for his sharp wit as much as his devastating fighting style, Aspinall didn’t hold back when talking about Jones’ current status. “We all know Jon’s been out of shape recently. He’s sitting there with Cheetos on his fingers, praying I’d get knocked out. But now that I won, he’s gone quiet. And I know why – he doesn’t want to fight me.”
A Heavyweight Division in Flux
Jon Jones made a triumphant return to UFC in March 2023 after a three-year hiatus, claiming the heavyweight title with a submission victory over Ciryl Gane in the first round. It was a comeback worthy of the legend, but Aspinall believes it’s time for a new king to rule the division—and he’s confident he’s the man for the job.
While Jones prepares to face Miocic, Aspinall is ready and waiting, serving as the official backup for the November showdown. But if you ask him, it’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot.
“I don’t need to fight Jon Jones to retire him. The truth is, I’ve already got him running scared,” Aspinall said, with a mix of confidence and frustration. “When the time comes, I’ll show everyone who the real champion is.”
What’s Next?
Whether Jones will eventually face Aspinall remains to be seen, but the interim heavyweight champion has made his stance clear. With the UFC heavyweight division in flux and the legend of Jon Jones standing tall, Aspinall is determined to leave his mark. Whether it’s against Jones or another contender, one thing is certain—Tom Aspinall’s moment is coming, and he’s ready to seize it.
