UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall was never “hunting” Jon Jones.
After a period of 19 months with two champions, the heavyweight division finally moves forward with the absence of Jones, the now formator title holder.
Earlier this month, Dana White announced the pension of Jones in Baku, while he also increased Aspinall to undisputed status in the division.
In the midst of a period in which Aspinall broke an unwanted UFC record to become the longest reigning interim champion, the Brit often called to unite the title rejected by Jones.
But Aspinall says he was never looking for 'bones'.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Tom Aspinall says that he always pursues the undisputed UFC heavyweight title, not Jon Jones
Aspinall recently gave his first in -depth response to Jones's pension and his award as an undisputed champion during an appearance on the diary of a CEO.
Thinking about a difficult period of inactivity when he waited for the ultimate controversial decision of Jones, Aspinall revealed that many have twisted it when it comes to what he pursued.
Although many might expect it to be a collision with Jones that he had called his “dream fight in the past, the resident of Manchester said he only had eyes for the gold in possession of the now retired legend.
“Many people get confused during the last kind of 10 months that I pursued Jon Jones,” said Aspinall.
“That was never the case. I hunted the undisputed heavyweight title – that's it.
“If I get the chance to put Jon Jones on my resume, I naturally accept that with open arms. But if not, I am satisfied.”
Tom Aspinall has a new target to chase in the UFC
After Aspinall has achieved its goal to earn the undisputed crown, Aspinall has now set its sights on a new goal like the king of the heavyweights.
In a short video on his YouTube channel, Aspinall promised to be the “best heavyweight ever” while building an unparalleled legacy in the division.
“Constant, very, very important for me that I quickly acknowledge everyone who supported me in this.
“I am not going to say that it was a difficult time, but a bit of a challenging time in the last 10, 11 months, that I have been inactive because of no fault of my own.
“But luckily, that is all behind us now. Appreciate the support of everyone enormously, appreciate the support enormously.
“I'm going to keep this thing as active as possible. I want to be the best heavyweight ever to walk the face of the earth,” Aspinall added. “I will defend this thing as often as possible as I can.”