Tom Aspinall shares encouraging update on potential Jon Jones showdown after speaking with UFC bosses

UFC interim champion Tom Aspinall now appears closer to securing a long-awaited title shot against heavyweight king Jon Jones.

The Brit was sidelined for Jones' emphatic performance at UFC 309 last night, when the American landed a spinning back kick to stop Stipe Miocic in the third round.

In reality, the clash went exactly as the majority of MMA fans expected: 'Bones' overwhelmed his 42-year-old opponent with his superior speed and movement.

But now, after the first defense of his UFC heavyweight title, it appears Jon Jones will no longer have the luxury of avoiding Tom Aspinall.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

Tom Aspinall moves closer to a UFC title shot following Jon Jones' win over Stipe Miocic

Jones became a two-division UFC champion early last year, defeating Ciryl Gane with a deadly first-round submission in his heavyweight debut.

Since that performance, Aspinall has been clamoring for a shot at top dog, insisting he has earned the chance to compete against his division's very best.

The 31-year-old has made a monumental statement in recent years, overwhelming his last six opponents with devastating first-round stoppages.

Yet, even though Aspinall has held the interim title for over a year now, Jones has nevertheless refused to enter into a feud with the knockout artist.

Instead, the former light heavyweight champion has expressed his desire to take on Alex Pereira, claiming a win over the current champion at 205 pounds would mean more to his legacy.

However, after speaking to the powers that be at the UFC, Aspinall is confident that Jones' arm will be twisted.

“I got a few nods and winks from the [UFC] bosses that Jon Jones talked about [his] next fight,” Aspinall told TNT Sports.

“That means a lot to me and not only that. I talked to the UFC bigwigs this week and both guys are talking about how this is the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history – there's absolutely no doubt about that.

“Potentially one of the biggest fights in UFC history: this is what people want to see, and we have to give it to them.”

Jon Jones targets Alex Pereira after victory at UFC 309

While Aspinall remains hopeful that a fight with Jones will eventually happen, his potential opponent has expressed a very different attitude.

Instead, Jones has maintained his ambition to face Pereira, showing he is unwilling to give Aspinall a shot at his title.

Not only that, but the UFC legend has now claimed he hates the number one contender – and ultimately finds him 'annoying'.

That said, it's possible that Jones could find himself in an awkward position where he could face Aspinall or vacate his belt.

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