Jones Defends His Decision To Avoid Aspinall – ‘I Am Not Changing For Anyone’
Jon Jones has defended his decision to fight Stipe Miocic next over Tom Aspinall.
Bones is back in training as he prepares to defend his UFC Heavyweight title against Stipe. He pulled out his defense at UFC 295 after injuring his pectoral muscles. Jones underwent surgery, while Dana White refused to strip Jones, following Aspinall’s request. Tom wanted to fight Miocic for the belt, with the winner then taking on Jones.
Jones has been facing many questions over Aspinall, with suggestions that he is ducking the Brit. Jones even stated that a fight with the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira is much bigger. Since Aspinall is the interim champion, there is an increasing demand to see that fight happen. Jones, however, remains steadfast in the choices he is making.
Jones Reacts
“I’m in the middle of a pretty clear decision. Stick to exact and original plans, and fight the man with all the accolades or completely disregard all of the Stipe training I’ve put in and fight another potential hype train that may not even be around in three years. I am not changing my plans for anyone. Stipe is over there as the best heavyweight ever working his ass off. I’m gonna give that man what he wants, and I’m going to claim another head. Whatever comes next comes next,” Jones said
Aspinall had the choice of waiting for Jones or remaining on the sidelines. He chose to fight at UFC 295, beating Sergei Pavlovich in an interim title fight. Aspinall has also confirmed his next fight, which will take place at UFC 304 in Manchester, England.
While an opponent has not been named, he is expected to fight Curtis Blaydes. Blaydes was the only man to have defeated Aspinall, albeit in underwhelming cases, as he injured his knee in the first round. The interim belt has not gone down well with Jones, who has hit out at the idea of there being ‘two champions.’
Jones On The Title
“UFC is a brilliant company, did what they had to do to save the event. But I do agree with you, it definitely confused a bunch of UK fans, got them entitled thinking their boy really is the champion. It reminds me of when [Daniel Cormier] was the ‘champion’ during my absence,” Jones stated
There are worries that Jones is holding up the heavyweight division. Reports show that the fight with Miocic could be his last, especially if he wins. Miocic is one the best heavyweights in the UFC of all time. While Miocic is 42, a win could cap off an incredible career for Jones. But if that is the case, fans would miss out on the mega Aspinall clash. But Jones will do what is best for his career.
“I was talking about retirement after Stipe way before there was an intern champion announced. I would literally be in the same exact position if Sergei would had one. [And] I love how the UK have convinced themselves I’m afraid of their intern champion, opens me up to a whole new fan base. They all know who the actual champion is,” Jones revealed
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