Aspinall Names Preferred Fight If Jones Retires
UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has said who he wants to face if Jon Jones retires.
Aspinall has been chasing the heavyweight title fight for some time. He worked himself into a title position after having stopped Curtis Blaydes in his last fight at UFC304. Dana White has confirmed that Aspinall will take on the winner of John Jones or Miocic, who will face off on November 16.
White has also said that Aspinall will be backup if Jones or Miocic pulls out of the fight due to an injury. Jones won the vacant heavyweight title after around three years away from the sport when he defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 via a first-round submission.
He was on course to defend the belt against Miocic at UFC 295. But Jones pulled out with a pectoral muscle injury, which required surgery. Jones has appeared reluctant to face Aspinall, stating that he does not need the Brit for his legacy. Jones even hinted at facing Alex Pereira instead, stating it was a much bigger fight.
Aspinall Reacts
White has said Miocic will retire after facing Jones, regardless of the result. There is also speculation that Jones could do the same with his coach confirming that he expects it to be his last fight. If that does happen, Aspinall will already be looking ahead to the future. He outlined who he should face next, stating that it should be between Gane and Alexander Volkov.
“If them two retire, which I think is quite likely. You never know though. I think it only makes sense to fight the winner of [Alexander] Volkov vs. [Ciryl] Gane. There are loads of challengers though, there’s loads. As far as activity [as being a champion], twice a year sounds good as a champion. I think realistically that’s, that’s decent. Twice a year, yeah,” Aspinall said
Other Options
Nevertheless, if that does not happen, there are other options. Aspinall could pursue the Alex Pereira fight. The Brazilian indicated he would be willing to move up to heavyweight for a belt. Pereira initially ruled out Aspinall, given that he is the interim champion. But if the belt becomes free, there is a narrative in place to make that fight.
Aspinall has already stated that he would welcome Pereira moving up for one of the biggest fights. Pereira is a two-weight UFC champion, having won belts at middleweight and light heavyweight. He knocked out Jiri Prochazka in his last fight at UFC 303. He is set to defend his belt against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.
If Alex comes out victorious, then there is a possible fight there. Fans already missed out on seeing Francis Ngannou take on Jon Jones. The Predator would leave the UFC last year after contract talks broke down. MMA fans have made it clear they do not want a repeat by seeing another big fight fail.
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