Tom Aspinall Criticizes UFC 309 Main Event: “Two Old Farts”

Aspinall’s Preparedness as Standby Fighter

Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the upcoming UFC 309 main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Despite being designated as the backup fighter for this bout, Aspinall has little expectation of being called upon. On his YouTube channel, the Englishman detailed his rigorous preparation, stating that he has been training and eating as if he were scheduled to fight. However, he remains skeptical about the likelihood of stepping into the octagon this weekend.

“The whole world knows, at this point, that it’s quite unrealistic for me to think I’m going to fight this week. But I’m approaching it as if it’s my fight week,” Aspinall remarked. He further added, “I’m highly doubtful that either of the guys would accept a fight with less than a week’s notice.”

Critique of the Title Fight’s Relevance

Aspinall has not held back in expressing his views on the Jones vs. Miocic matchup, questioning its significance within the heavyweight division. He acknowledges the remarkable careers of both fighters but challenges the promotion of this bout as a contest for the undisputed title. For Aspinall, the existence of two champions in the division undermines this claim.

“To me, and from what I see online from other people, it’s far from an undisputed fight. It’s the most disputed title you can find since there are two champions. One champion, Jon Jones, is avoiding the other champion, me,” Aspinall stated.

While he respects the legacies of Jones and Miocic, Aspinall candidly described their upcoming fight as lackluster.

“Let’s be honest. It’s two old farts fighting each other,” he commented.

Aspinall’s Aspiration for the Undisputed Title

Aspinall elaborated on his perspective, highlighting his lifelong ambition to become the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion—a dream he shares with his father. He expressed frustration over Jones’s reluctance to face him, feeling that it hinders his pursuit of this goal.

“The problem is that he has the heavyweight belt, and I’m the best heavyweight in the world. Since I was a kid, since I started training, my and my dad’s dream has been that one day I will become the undisputed heavyweight champion in the UFC,” Aspinall shared. He continued, “This is about me wanting the belt, and he’s the one who has it. That’s all I’m after, all I care about. That I become the undisputed, number one, heavyweight champion on earth. And he’s avoiding me.”

UFC 309 Full Fight Card

UFC 309 is scheduled to take place on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event features a series of compelling matchups:

Main Card (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET):

• Heavyweight Title Bout: Jon Jones (c) vs. Stipe Miocic
• Lightweight Bout: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
• Middleweight Bout: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
• Women’s Flyweight Bout: Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
• Lightweight Bout: Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop

Preliminary Card (ESPNews / ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET):

Bantamweight Bout: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
Middleweight Bout: Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
Lightweight Bout: David Onama vs. Roberto Romero

This lineup promises an exciting night of fights, with the main event drawing particular attention due to Aspinall’s recent comments. Fans are eager to see how the heavyweight title picture will unfold, especially with Aspinall waiting in the wings for his opportunity.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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