Tom Aspinall is eager to face Jon Jones in what he believes would be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history, following Jones’ recent victory over Stipe Miocic, though negotiations may hinge on Jones’ compensation concerns.
If Tom Aspinall has his way, he’ll be stepping into the octagon with Jon Jones next. It’s set to be the biggest heavyweight clash in UFC history.
Aspinall’s been eyeing this matchup ever since he snagged the interim heavyweight title in November 2023. But he’s had to bide his time while Jones wrapped up business with Stipe Miocic. Saturday night at UFC 309 saw Jones dominate with a brutal spinning back kick, finishing Miocic in the third round.
The moment the fight concluded, Aspinall was already envisioning sharing that octagon with Jones. He believes the UFC is on the same page.
“During Jon Jones’ speech, I was staring right at Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell],” Aspinall shared on the post-fight show. “They both turned to me, pointed, and winked simultaneously. That tells me something big is brewing.”
“This is it—the biggest fight in the UFC,” he continued. “Massive. If this doesn’t pique Jon’s interest, what will? This is the fight everyone wants: fans, UFC, everybody. It has to happen now.”
Jones has acknowledged a potential showdown with Aspinall but cited compensation as a potential hurdle. With a nearly flawless record over 16 years and more title fight wins than anyone else in UFC history, his legacy is secure regardless of future decisions.
Aspinall respects Jones’ impressive career but sees a lucrative opportunity if they face off.
“I’ve chatted with the UFC brass, and I’ll continue to do so,” said Aspinall. “In my biased opinion, this could be the biggest heavyweight fight ever in UFC history. Fans are clamoring for it.”
Reflecting on UFC 309, Aspinall wasn’t shocked by how things unfolded.
He admired Jones’ knockout ability but noted Miocic looked every bit his age after nearly four years out of action since 2021.
“It was all part of the plan,” Aspinall remarked. “Exactly what I expected. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if Jon could finish him; maybe it’d go five rounds at that pace—Jon picking him apart, keeping range, mixing attacks beautifully.”
“To beat Jon Jones, you need sharp eyes and quick reflexes,” he added. “With all due respect to Stipe Miocic—at 42 years old—he just didn’t have that anymore.”
Despite studying Jones extensively, Aspinall had never seen him live until Saturday night.
“I see openings,” Aspinall admitted. “Whether I can capitalize on them or not? That’s another story. From an outsider’s perspective, I think I can.”