Tom Aspinall just made himself undeniable! In the UFC 304 heavyweight co-main event, the Brit knocked out Curtis Blades in a rare interim title defense, staking his claim as a worthy title challenger but after his performance many believe Aspinall by Jon Jones did give him even more reason to go n’ taken.
The Aspinall Heroic Challenge
“Hello Jon, I personally have nothing against you. But I just think I’m better than you. All I know is that I can beat you in a fight. So I’m coming for you,” Aspinall told Daniel Cormier during the Octagon interview. ‘Honey Badger’ dominated the Blades in the opening round to end his second round debut in a UFC title fight, back to back! This fight, named #1 contender by Jones himself, could be a way to negate Aspinall’s consistent challenges.
Jones and Miocic: Weighing Conflict
Rumor has it that undisputed champion Jon Jones will fight Stipe Miocic in November. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed at the UFC 304 presser that the co-main event winner will face the winner of Miocic vs. UFC. Jones. Jones previously downplayed the interim title that Aspinall had just defended, saying it was more of a contender’s match than a title fight. Fans have spoken their minds, and Jones may not be too happy to let them.
Fans are Reacting to Jones’ Comments
“Curtis and Tom will face off for the official No. 1 title!” The tweet resurfaced on social media before the Blades game against Aspinall. Jon Jones posted this tweet after Dana White made an interim title fight official earlier this year. Jones’ comments were repeatedly called out by Aspinall, causing the two-weight champion to cast a shadow over the interim champion. Despite already holding the provisional No. 1 belt for Aspinall, Jones lowered his claim to the undisputed title.
Hardcore UFC fans respect Jon Jones for his contributions to the sport. One fan said, “With respect, this is a heavyweight championship fight in my eyes,” in support of Aspinall, who has been more active than ‘Bones’. But other fans took a more direct approach, reminding Jones of the reality of the UFC 304 fight. “No Jon, this is for the heavyweight championship,” said another fan. For them, Aspinall vs. Blades are the real issue.
Before the fight, Aspinall told a source, “I’ll still be the interim champion if I win this Sunday. But you know what? I think, make no mistake, this fight is for a good heavyweight, No. 1 heavyweight in the world.”
The Fact Finding
Some fans said Jon Jones lost his championship status among the fans due to his time off due to only fighting once in over four years. One Instagram user said, “No one really thinks you’re a champ dawg”. Even if Aspinall secures victory in Manchester, fans do not believe Jones will challenge the interim champion. “That he still won’t fight.” Jones showed little interest in fighting Aspinall during their social media exchanges. Fans think a lightweight champion could face Jones instead. “John is acting as if he won’t give up or insist on fighting Pereira instead of Aspinall.”
So far, Jon Jones is the only heavyweight contender to have fought in a title fight. And Aspinall now climbs into line to be the interim champion at UFC 295 which, for fans, seems more pressing. “A real heavyweight champion, Aspinall, who got it by beating a lot of heavyweight opponents,” added another candidate. Some segments of the fan base believe Aspinall should have Jones’ number. “Jon sh*tting his pants,” one Instagram user added.
