Tom Aspinall has firmly cemented his place in the UFC heavyweight division with a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title. This recent triumph has not only boosted Aspinall's standing but also sparked intense debates within the mixed martial arts community regarding the current hierarchy of heavyweight contenders.
Aspinall's Rising Dominance
Aspinall showcased a commanding performance when he faced Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the octagon. His relentless drive and skill have positioned him as a significant threat to any opponent, which is perhaps why he has been vocal about his thoughts on Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
“Let’s be honest, and since I won that fight, he’s gone completely quiet,” Aspinall said, referring to Jon Jones. “He’ll continue to go completely quiet about me until he retires. Because there’s no way on Earth that he’s going to fight me. Not a chance. I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him.”
Jones vs. Miocic: The Ongoing Saga
The highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic bout was initially scheduled for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. However, an injury-induced withdrawal by Jones led to the bout's postponement, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a new date. Miocic was subsequently pulled from the card following Jones' withdrawal, further fueling the speculation about this mega-fight's future.
Recent rumors suggest that the Jones vs. Miocic bout might be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16, although official confirmation is still pending.
Aspinall's Critique of Jones and Miocic
Aspinall did not hold back in his criticism of Jones' inactive lifestyle and current status in the division. “The guy’s smart, and we know the guy’s a bit overweight these days. The guy sat there with the Cheeto fingers or whatever, Doritos on his fingers with his iPhone in hand waiting for me to get knocked out [by Blaydes] so he could start tweeting about it,” Aspinall remarked.
He further emphasized that neither Jones nor Miocic deserves to be fighting for the heavyweight title in the current landscape of the division. “They don’t f---ing deserve to be fighting for the heavyweight title. Them guys are not the top of the heavyweight division right now. Dana White and everybody else can say whatever they want, them guys aren’t the best heavyweights in the world right now.”
Jones' Career Aspirations
Despite his inactivity, Jones, now 37 years old, remains focused on his legacy. “I’m 37 years old now, I’ve kicked everyone’s ass,” Jones said. “My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather and all the other retired bad asses.”
Jones has expressed his desire to end his career on a high note and potentially join the ranks of legendary athletes like Tom Brady and Floyd Mayweather. Such aspirations reflect a desire to be remembered not just for his combat acumen but as an iconic figure in sports history.
The Heavyweight Division's Future
As the heavyweight division anticipates the possible Jones vs. Miocic matchup, it is clear that the landscape is rapidly evolving. Aspinall's recent statements underscore his ambition and confidence as he stakes his claim as a future champion.
"I’m the guy at heavyweight, not him — me,” Aspinall asserted. "I want to be recognized as the best. I’ve got the real belt. I’m the one defending. He’s defending against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic with a million miles on the clock. If you want to be the real guy, you have to fight me.”
This bubbling rivalry between Aspinall and established veterans like Jones and Miocic adds another layer of intrigue to an already dynamic heavyweight division. UFC fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these narratives unfold in the coming months.