Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall believes Jon Jones' personality will determine whether or not they fight in 2025.
Tom Aspinall was cageside when UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic by knockout at UFC 309. Nearly two full years since winning the then-vacant title, Jones put in another of his signature performances, knocking Miocic thoroughly dominated in his first title. defense.
Aspinall, who starred as a backup for UFC 309, recently defended the interim heavyweight title ahead of Jones' highly anticipated return. After Jones dismantled Miocic, Aspinall is one of Jones' potential fight options after UFC 309, although it could be a rigorous negotiation process with the UFC.
Whether it's Jones or another top prospect, Aspinall will be fighting for the UFC heavyweight title in his next outing. UFC CEO Dana White calls the fight between Jones and Aspinall possibly the biggest fight in the history of heavyweight MMA.
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Adding fuel to the fire is the hostility Jones has expressed towards Aspinall from afar in recent weeks. Ahead of UFC 309, Jones brushed Aspinall aside and accused the British star of being an 'A**hole' that he doesn't want to do business with.
Despite Jones' rhetoric, Aspinall remains hopeful about making the fight a reality in 2025, although he believes it will all come down to Jones' inner dialogue and competitive fire.
Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones 'can't sleep at night' over the thought of a possible fight
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Aspinall explained how Jones' psyche could ultimately lead him to sign on the dotted line to unify the heavyweight belts.
“I'm a bloody dangerous fight for him, by far the most dangerous fight for him at this stage,” Aspinall said of Jones. “He has a huge ego, and he should, because he is one of the best fighters ever. And he hates people saying I can beat him, he can't sleep at night!
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'It's all projection… I don't think so, I know [I worry him]…and I say this as a fan of Jon Jones, I'm a huge question mark for him,” Aspinall continued. “He's had a lot of Octagon time over the last few years, and I've done virtually nothing, almost nothing but bounce people's heads off the canvas. And he has no idea what to prepare for, and that's great for me… don't let Jon fool you, he wants it too. Jon is a competitor, a ruthless competitor, and it shows. You know what he's talking about. I see how it eats him up, my existence hurts his feelings. Somewhere deep in his mind, deep in his soul, he knows I can bounce his head off the canvas.
Jones has also hinted at a possible superfight with Alex Pereira if he decides to give up the heavyweight belt. But White and the UFC brass aren't too keen on the idea and are determined to make the Aspinall fight happen.
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is at the top of the MMA wish list for 2025
Aspinall earned the interim heavyweight championship by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Jones had to play the card against Miocic before suffering a torn pectoral tendon, leading the UFC to launch a last-second Aspinall/Pavlovich interim title fight to save the map. .
After Jones went easy on Miocic in the Octagon, fight fans, pundits and fellow fighters are begging him to face Aspinall next. Jones, who previously teased his retirement, relied on these comments after UFC 309 in hopes he and White can come to an agreement on a lucrative new deal.
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Jones won the then-vacant heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. After his heavyweight debut lasted just minutes, UFC 309 showcased Jones' talent in a new weight class following a legendary run at light heavyweight.
After months of friendly banter online between Jones and Aspinall, things are tense ahead of their potential grudge match. While Aspinall has no animosity towards Jones, he has gotten under the heavyweight champion's shoes amid accusations that Jones is deliberately avoiding him.
Only time will tell if fight fans will get their wish to see Jones vs. Aspinall to be seen in 2025. In the meantime, Jones will negotiate with the promotion, and according to Aspinall, Jones' ego will come first.
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