Interim UFC Heavyweight title holder Tom Aspinall says that the division is ready to 'continue' from Jon Jones.
As the summer approaches quickly, a UFC combat announcement with heavyweight title holders Jones and Tom Aspinall remain cloudy.
Jones has not fought anymore since he defended the linear heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic on UFC 309 in November. After initially, retirement, Jones teased in that position in his interview after the fight, while he provided for upcoming contract negotiations with the UFC Brass.
Seven months later, the status of the Jones vs. Aspinall Fight a mystery. But Jones hinted on an imminent announcement of the UFC that will provide clarity about what the next is for the heavyweight division.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Tom Aspinall responds to the recent comments from Jon Jones about an imminent UFC announcement
While organizing an MMA seminar in Thailand, Jones raised eyebrows when he said that he and Aspinall are waiting for the UFC to announce the next move of the heavyweight division. Jones did not explicitly said that the Aspinall fight was on its hands, leaving the door open for the matchup that fell off the table.
Aspinall did not last long to respond to the claims of Jones.
In a recent performance on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Aspinall spoke against the recent comments of Jones in contradiction with a UFC -Vechtbooking.
“No, man, Jon is retired. What are we talking about, guys?” Said Aspinall.
“The man lives his best life, he has had a fantastic career, we know it all. We know that Jones is a religious man, so I want to say that God blesses him who is moving forward and with what he does with his life and his career. We will continue.
“I am the undisputed heavyweight champion. I am ready to accept all newcomers, to get this division moving again,” Asinall continued.
“Those boys have been waiting for too long. The contenders get sick, even the fans get sick.”
In a follow-up post to his Instagram story, Aspinall doubled his claim that Jones is retiring, making a sincere message to all time.
“I want to be the first to wish Jon the very best in his retirement,” said Aspinall. 'Let's get this division going [UFC]. “
If the claiming of Aspinall that Jones hangs up, the gloves are true, he will probably be promoted to undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion in the coming weeks. Aspinall will probably defend the belt against another top candidate; With names such as Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov in the mix.
Aspinall is the longest reigning interim title holder in the history of UFC, a distinction that the champion violates violently.
Jon Jones recently hinted on delayed timetable for possible UFC return
Aspinall's comments run parallel to Jones' recent hint of two words on a timeline for a return to the cage. After a follower on social media had asked him sarcastically about his comeback, Jones responded 'next year', which resulted in strong reactions from fans.
A petition in which the UFC is called to strip Jones from his heavyweight belt has collected nearly 200,000 signatures. But from this letter, the UFC has not shared plans to strip Jones from the title.
Aspinall has not fought anymore since he defends the interim heavyweight belt against Curtis Blaydes on UFC 304 in July. He played Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title in a short-notice booking on UFC 295.