Accepting own fate after Jon Jones’ retirement talks, Tom Aspinall eyes next contenders for title defense
UFC heavyweight interim champion Tom Aspinall chooses his next opponent as Jon Jones confirms retirement after UFC 309.
Tom Aspinall looks for future opponent amidst Jon Jones's retirement (via Imago)
Tom Aspinall has been chasing the heavyweight title unification bout for a long time. Instead of getting his opportunity, the Brit recently had to defend the interim belt in his last fight. Now it seems Aspinall won’t be able to get his shot against Jon Jones, given the latest developments. However, that doesn’t mean the interim champion doesn’t have other opponents in his mind.
Following the official announcement of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, ‘Bones’ indicated in an interview that he may retire after the fight. Given his age, people also expect Miocic to retire after UFC 309. This will most likely put Aspinall in the top spot. According to him, his next opponent will be determined between Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane.
If them two retire which thinks quite likely…I think it only makes sense to fight the winner of Volkov and Gane.
Tom Aspinall via his YouTube channel
The much anticipated heavyweight clash between Ciryl Gane and Volkov was originally scheduled as the co-main event of UFC 308. However, after Volkov’s latest injury update, the fight has now been shifted to UFC 310 with no further updates. Fans are concerned about whether this fight will be able to take place before the end of 2024.
Tom Aspinall believes that he should fight the winner of Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov if the winner of Stipe vs Jones retires after #UFC309
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 26, 2024
He also says he’d like to defend his belt twice a year when he becomes undisputed champion 🏆
🎥 YT / @AspinallMMA #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/onO7HVHlhZ
Aspinall, on the other hand, is finally getting the spotlight he deserves from the UFC. Recently, Dana White promised him a title opportunity after UFC 309. Though Aspinall is the official backup for Jones vs. Miocic, many experts including Daniel Cormier believe that it won’t be necessary. On the contrary, others claim that Jones will definitely fight Tom Aspinall.
UFC veteran believes Jon Jones is eager to fight young and hungry Tom Aspinall
In the last few months, out of desperation, Tom Aspinall did everything he could have done to get a shot against Jon Jones. From accusing him of ducking to mocking the fighter via internet trolling, Aspinall threw the kitchen sink. However, Jones never showed interest as he preferred his legacy fight and got thrashed by online MMA fans.
Despite Dana White’s relentless support and hype of Jon Jones, fans started the narrative that the champ was scared of Aspinall. After his retirement announcement, this got even worse and fans started questioning Jones’ legacy. However, according to UFC Hall of Famer, Chael Sonnen, Jones will not quit until he fights Tom Aspinall.
I don’t believe this gonna be Jon’s last fight. I don’t believe there is a scenario that Jon Jones does not fight Tom Aspinall. I believe if Jones beats Stipe, he draws right into Tom Aspinall and doesn’t flinch but I know if Jon loses to Stipe, Jon is gonna draw right into Tom Aspinall.
Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel
Jones is easily annoyed when confronted with criticism from fight fans, as evidenced by his recent remarks. He previously blasted the MMA community for crowning Khabib Nurmagomedov as the greatest fighter of all time over him. Sonnen believes Jones wants to be recognized and will go to any length to ensure his legacy.
Ameetosh Dash
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