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Jon Jones calls out irony in Tom Aspinall citing Curtis Blaydes’ star power as reason to turn down fight

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ameetosh Dash | Last updated 5/27/24

Tom Aspinall is slated to defend his interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes. The fight is going to take place at UFC 304 which will take place in Manchester, England. As both fighters get ready, the king of the division, Jon Jones has kept a close look at the much-anticipated fight.

Tom Aspinall recently made some comments on why fighting Blaydes is a lose-lose situation. According to Aspinall, it’s a high-risk and low-reward situation. Jon Jones took this opportunity to mock the Brit. Here’s what Jones wrote:

Oh the irony. Jon Jones via X

Initially, Aspinall wanted to fight Jones for the heavyweight championship. However, after ‘Bones’ rejected the idea, it was Ciryl Gane who was next in line. However, the Frenchman allegedly didn’t sign the contract due to his shoot for his upcoming movie. This left Aspinall the only option to fight Blaydes, however according to Aspinall, ‘Razor’ lack of popularity is not a good thing for him.

Oh the irony. https://t.co/NEKvvzLQt7
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 26, 2024

Jones’ comment was a throwback to when the champion turned down Aspinall’s offer because he is not that popular outside of England. It seems like Aspinall is going through what Jones went back then, however, unlike Jones, Aspinall still took the fight.

UFC legend backs Tom Aspinall for being a draw against Jon Jones

Jon Jones has clearly mentioned that he wants to fight Stipe Miocic for his legacy. However, the fighter also took the opportunity to call out Alex Pereira when there was a chance. It is safe to say that for Jones, legacy isn’t the only thing. Now, Jones might not think Tom Aspinall is a huge PPV star, however, Chael Sonnen has some other views.

According to the UFC veteran, Aspinall has proved that he is a huge draw. Sonnen also claimed that with Jones’ ability to draw, there was no requirement for Aspinall’s popularity.

I don't think it's not fair and accurate to say that Tom is not a draw…If I got one guy that's a star, I don't even need the other guy. Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel

In the midst of all this, many fight fans have claimed that Jones might be deliberately ducking Aspinall. However, Jones has rejected the idea and claimed that the Stipe fight is the best option for him. Nevertheless, the heavyweight division drama has kept the fans entertained.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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