Tom Aspinall has been persistently challenging Jon Jones for a UFC heavyweight title fight, but Jones has so far avoided him in favor of defending his title against Stipe Miocic, leading Aspinall to ramp up his trash talk and prepare as a potential backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 309 event.
Tom Aspinall is doing everything he can to get Jon Jones to fight him.
For nearly a year, Aspinall has been chasing a fight with the UFC heavyweight champion. So far, Jones has been unwilling to grant him that opportunity. Instead, Jones appears set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. Meanwhile, Aspinall, the interim champion, is left waiting.
Miocic hasn’t competed since 2021. On the other hand, Aspinall recently defended his interim title. It’s a frustrating situation for the English heavyweight. Speaking on TNT Sports recently, Aspinall admitted his recent uptick in trash talk is a direct result of this.
“I’m just trying to get a fight, mate,” Aspinall said when asked about his recent social media callouts. “I just want to have my chance to fight for the undisputed title, of course. That’s the next natural progression. And also it’s a dream fight for me, so I’m going to push for it.”
Aspinall started pushing for a fight with Jones after winning the interim title at UFC 295. Initially, he was extremely respectful of the future Hall of Famer. However, as Jones continues to dismiss him, Aspinall’s approach has shifted.
He became more aggressive in calling out Jones for refusing to fight him. In turn, Jones has become increasingly antagonistic towards Aspinall. And for Aspinall, that’s just what he wants.
“Because he wants the easy fight, Stipe. For now,” Aspinall said when asked why Jones won’t fight him. “But I have faith. I think Jon’s getting a bit ticked off with me at the minute, which is my intention. I’m trying to test his ego to see if he’ll be like, ‘Right, actually, I’m the man at heavyweight. I’m going to show you.’ So that’s what I’m working on at the moment.”
It seems that Jon is getting a little bit fuming at me, so that will be nice if he continues that.”
Whether or not his plan will work remains to be seen. All Aspinall can do at this point is wait and see.
Well, that and get ready. Because though the fight isn’t actually official yet, Aspinall says he’s preparing to serve as the backup fighter for the Jones vs. Miocic matchup at UFC 309.
One way or another get what’s rightfully his.
“I’m training with that in mind,” Aspinall said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m training to fight potentially in November. So no matter what happens, I’ll be fit and ready to go in November.”
No confirmation on the fight yet, no confirmation on if I’m the backup yet. They did tell me that after my fight.
But the heavyweight title fight between Stipe and Jones is not official yet so I’m still waiting on that.”
UFC 309 takes place on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.