Tom Aspinall has hinted at some big news for his upcoming fight.
The UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion has been chasing a title shot against Jon Jones after stopping Curtis Blaydes in his last fight. Dana White confirmed that Aspinall would get the fight if he beat Blaydes, putting the ball in Jones’ court over whether he wants to take that fight. Jones made a successful defense of his UFC Heavyweight Title after stopping a Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in his last fight.
That was the first successful defense of his belt, which he acquired after submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round at UFC 285. Jones has given conflicting comments about fighting Aspinall. He has said that facing Aspinall does nothing for his legacy, but he has also stated that he is willing to face off against anyone if the money is right. Jones had spoken about taking on Alex Pereira instead, stating that was a much bigger fight globally.
Jones’ Prior Comments
“Alex Pereira, on the other hand, his accolades are incredible. I think I just beat my ninth world champion [Miocic]. To beat up Tom Aspinall, I don’t break a record doing that, or I don’t set my record further ahead doing that. “Beating Alex Pereira, that would be my 10th UFC champion that I beat. It just does more for my legacy. “I think the numbers are incredibly high, Americans love Alex Pereira, Brazilians love Alex Pereira. If I go to a barber shop and ask ‘Do you know Tom Aspinall?’ No one knows who he is outside UFC fans. Alex Pereira is a household American star and that’s what I’m aiming for. I want the big fights,” Jones said
Aspinall On Jones
However, Pereira’s defeat to Magomed Ankalaev in his last fight means that the bout is no longer on the table. Pereira is expected to rematch Ankalaev, while Jones’ only option is to face Aspinall or vacate the belt. Dana White has previously confirmed that he is confident the fight will happen. Fans missed out previously on seeing Francis Ngannou take on Jon Jones. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023, as both sides blamed each other for the fight not happening. Fans will have to wait longer as Aspinall has said a decision will be made clearer moving forward.
“I know everyone wants fight news…but I do know what’s happening. I have had meetings with the UFC as we know. I have been sworn to secrecy for a little bit. So stay tuned, stay up with the channels, stay up with the UFC channels of course as always, as you guys always do. But there will be news coming, hopefully very, very soon. But if you’re ask me, I can’t give the answer right now. But stay tuned, it’s coming, it’s coming,” Aspinall said
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