Would Jones Refuse a Short-Notice Fight?

Tom Aspinall, interim UFC heavyweight champion, firmly believes Jon Jones would have declined a short-notice fight if Stipe Miocic had pulled out of UFC 309. The much-anticipated title bout between Jones and Miocic ultimately failed to deliver any real excitement. While Miocic put up a valiant effort, it was clear he lacked the tools to seriously challenge the reigning champion.

Aspinall, who had prepared to step in as a backup fighter, didn’t get the call and instead enjoyed a relaxed weekend. Reflecting on the event during an interview with Ariel Helwani, the English heavyweight expressed skepticism about Jones’ willingness to face him on short notice.

“I don’t think it would have ever happened,” Aspinall remarked when asked about the possibility. When Helwani pressed further, asking if Jones would have refused, Aspinall confidently responded, “Absolutely.”

The Build-Up: Is Jones Ducking Aspinall?

Leading up to UFC 309, speculation swirled about whether Jones was actively avoiding a fight with Aspinall. Fans and analysts alike debated Jones’ reluctance to entertain the idea of facing the interim champion. After UFC 309, discussions heated up again when Jones reportedly stated that he would only consider fighting Aspinall if offered substantial “f**k you” money.

Despite these comments, Aspinall remains optimistic. He believes Jones’ competitive nature and pride will eventually compel him to accept the challenge. Aspinall elaborated on his reasoning, emphasizing Jones’ desire to maintain his legacy.

“I think he secretly wants to. He has a gigantic ego,” Aspinall stated. “He should have it; he’s one of the best ever. But he hates the fact that people say I can beat him. He can’t sleep at night,” he claimed.

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Momentum Building for a Future Showdown

Following Jones’ remarks at the post-fight press conference, the conversation about a potential matchup gained further traction. UFC insiders, including journalist Luke Thomas, suggested that Jones might be leveraging the situation to negotiate higher pay, rather than outright avoiding Aspinall.

Aspinall, while understanding of Jones’ demands, stressed that the reigning champion deserves a higher payday—not just because of his status as one of the greatest fighters ever, but because he would have to face Aspinall himself. The interim champion is confident that fan demand and UFC pressure will eventually make the fight a reality.

“It looks positive, that’s what I can say,” Aspinall shared. “It looks very positive, and I think people want to see it a lot. People are craving it, and that’s always a positive sign.”

As anticipation builds, the question remains: Will Jon Jones defend his title against Tom Aspinall, or will the heavyweight division crown a new undisputed champion without the reigning king?

Source: MMAnytt.se