Jon Jones refutes Aspinall’s demand to vacate UFC heavyweight title
In an unexpected turn of events, Jon Jones, a name synonymous with MMA greatness, has been thrust into a verbal tussle with Tom Aspinall, the newly crowned interim UFC heavyweight champion. Jones, who was sidelined from UFC 295’s main event due to a torn pectoral muscle, has faced criticism from Aspinall, who recently knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title.
Aspinall’s victory was quickly overshadowed by his audacious call for Jones to relinquish his heavyweight title, a demand rooted in the belief that an injured champion should step down. However, Jones’ response was swift and scathing. Via a post on social media, Jones reminded the world of his unparalleled 15-year career, marked by victories over numerous legends and an almost unblemished record, save for a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009.
HETAST JUST NU
Jones’s retort on Twitter was clear: “I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. Zero wins over legends, zero title defenses, and already thinking you can call the shots to Dana [White], that’s hilarious.”
UFC CEO Dana White has since dismissed Aspinall’s suggestion, reiterating that plans for Jones to face Stipe Miocic next year remain unaltered. Aspinall’s impressive UFC tenure, marked by a 7-1 record with all victories by knockout or submission, still pales in comparison to Jones’s storied legacy.
Jones, in his post, didn’t directly name Aspinall but sent a veiled message about his unmatched status in the MMA world: “In my 15 year career I have seen so many guys who are supposed to be the next big thing. There’s ever only been one Jon Jones, never forget that.”
This ongoing saga raises a pivotal question for fans and followers of the sport:
Should an interim champion’s success prompt the stripping of a title from an injured, yet legendary, champion? Your thoughts?
I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. During camp for a title defense I sustained a major injury that required surgery for the first time in my career. Now I have newcomers requesting I get my championship stripped. Zero wins over…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) December 4, 2023
