Tom Aspinall criticizes the UFC 309 main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic as a disputed heavyweight title fight, arguing that Jones is avoiding a unification bout with him despite Aspinall being the interim champion and the top-ranked heavyweight.
Tom Aspinall’s not mincing words.
This Saturday, UFC 309 headlines with a colossal showdown. Jon Jones faces off against Stipe Miocic, a battle of legends. Jones is hailed as one of the greatest ever, while Miocic holds the record for most heavyweight title defenses in UFC history—four to be exact.
But guess who’s missing from this headline act? Yep, Aspinall. He’s the interim heavyweight champ who’s been itching for a unification bout with Jones. Initially, Jones and Miocic were set to clash a year ago. A pesky pectoral injury sidelined Jones, but now they’re back on track, leaving Aspinall defending his interim status.
Aspinall will weigh in as a backup this Saturday. Yet he wonders—why isn’t it him versus Jones?
“Big heavyweight title fight this weekend,” Aspinall muses on YouTube. “Bit odd though, right? Who really cares about this being a title fight?” He respects Jones and Miocic’s careers—amazing legacies—but questions the “undisputed” label.
“To me—and I see it online too—this title is anything but undisputed. It’s two champs, and one, Jon Jones, is dodging me.” Aspinall doesn’t mince words: “They’re two old farts fighting for a title; it’s weird.”
Jones denies ducking Aspinall but hasn’t promised to fight him either. Retirement whispers linger for the 37-year-old. He’s also eyeing light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. His legacy? It includes an epic 2011-2020 run, marking him as arguably MMA’s best.
Aspinall couldn’t care less about that; he wants to settle who’s truly No. 1 right now.
“Jon’s like a politician,” Aspinall quips. “He controls fan narratives. Never bashed his legacy—it’s outstanding.” But there’s beef: Jones holds the title Aspinall craves.
“Since I was a kid training with my dad, I’ve dreamed of being the undisputed UFC heavyweight champ,” says Aspinall. “This isn’t personal against Jon; I just want the belt he’s holding hostage.”
Currently ranked No. 1 in MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Aspinall stands alone as Jones and Miocic have been inactive too long to qualify.
Despite his impressive wins over top heavyweights, Jones dismisses him as a threat—a move that makes sense to Aspinall considering Jones’ past tactics.
“People act surprised—‘Jon’s ducking!’” Aspinall notes. “He ducked Ngannou for three years! Don’t be shocked he picks fights where he has the edge.”
“I’m nobody?” Aspinall retorts. “I’m ranked No. 1, finished five top-10 guys in round one.” His aim? The belt—whoever holds it.
For now, Aspinall waits for the dust to settle between Jones and Miocic. If Jones wins? Logic should lead him to face Aspinall.
“Jon said I need more champion fights,” Aspinall says. “But if he won’t fight me because it’s ‘too risky,’ what does that say?”
“Sounds like fear of losing to me,” he adds with a smirk.