Tom Aspinall is willing to be the back-up fighter for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, a fight he believes may not be even happening.
537 days have gone by and we still have yet to see a title defense from UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, who withdrew from a title fight vs. Miocic at UFC 295 last November due to injury. Gearing up for a return around the same time and place this year is Jones but not against interim champ Tom Aspinall but his original booked opponent in Miocic.
All Eyes On Jones/Miocic
Coming off an injury himself in 2022, Aspinall has won three fights in Jones’ Octagon absence, making the argument that he should be next in line for Jones seeing as though he is the #1-ranked fighter in the division. But, it’s an argument that’s been heavily ignored by Jones whose focus is solely on Miocic and a potential retirement thereafter of which he has alluded to.
Nevertheless, Aspinall’s jawing at the opportunity to win the undisputed title, one way or the other.
“Jon Jones, I know you got your fight coming up,” Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. “Apparently, it’s in November against Stipe Miocic. Nothing has been announced or signed yet, as far as I’m aware, but if that does happen, I’ll be there. I’ll be ready to jump in with either of you guys for the undisputed title if one of you is gonna pull out.
“But if you successfully defend against Stipe in November, I will be there in the crowd. I’ll be there front row. I want you to hand me the undisputed title as you walk past me, please. Thank you.”
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Back-Up Duty?
So, where does this all leave Aspinall for the time being?
While nothing’s set in stone in regards to his next fight, Aspinall said the UFC has talked to him about a back-up role for whenever Jones and Miocic are booked to fight. However, that date has yet to be set and we’re soon approaching Nov. 7 in just a few months.
“After my last fight against Curtis Blaydes, there wasn’t talk about me being the backup fighter. The UFC Spoke to me directly about that. I said, I’m in,” Aspinall said. “Somebody pulls out, I’m in. One day’s notice, 10 days notice, 10 weeks notice, 1 hour’s notice. I’ll be prepared for that date. So ,you let me know, I’ll be there. I’ll be in. I’m ready to take the fight. I’m the number 1 in the division. Not Jon Jones. Not Stipe Miocic. They’re a couple of older fellas having a fight, fighting for the title for some reason.”
Aspinall Hearing Rumors That Miocic Is Injured
No longer a young gun at 42 years old, Aspinall says he’s been hearing that Stipe Miocic may be out of commission, citing a potential injury from the former champion that could take him out of his fight against Jones.
“These are just rumors at this point. There’s a lot of talk, but there’s not there’s nothing announced yet,” Aspinall cleared up. “I’m hearing rumors that Stipe is potentially injured. Stuff that I’m hearing from inner circle. Stipe, I believe his birthday was yesterday, actually. I see him, he’s 42 years old. The guy is gonna be injury prone. Jon Jones, a million miles on the clock, he’s gonna be injury prone.
“Me? I’m ready to go, man,” said the 31 year-old. “I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m hungry for it, man. I’m not sure these two guys are, but I am. I’ll fight either of them for the undisputed title on any notice.”
Ariel Helwani On The Rumor
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported on Thursday that the rumors of Stipe Miocic being injured at this time are “100% not true”.
“I’m told the rumor that Stipe Miocic is injured and out of the Jones fault is 100% not true.”
I’m told the rumor that Stipe Miocic is injured and out of the Jones fault is 100% not true.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 22, 2024
