Stipe Miocic Declines UFC 300 Fight, Prefers Jon Jones Bout, Claims Tom Aspinall
In a surprising turn of events, interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has revealed that former heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic declined a proposed bout at UFC 300, expressing a preference for facing current champion Jon “Bones” Jones upon his return from injury.
Aspinall made the revelation through a series of tweets, stating that he had accepted an offer from the UFC to fight Miocic on April 13. However, according to Aspinall, Miocic’s camp indicated a singular interest in a showdown with Jones, rather than a matchup against the interim champion.
This development comes in the wake of Jones’ withdrawal from a scheduled title defense against Miocic at UFC 295 due to a torn pectoral tendon sustained during training. UFC President Dana White had previously informed fans that Jones was expected to be out of action for approximately eight months, delaying any potential showdown between the two heavyweight titans.
In the absence of the Miocic-Jones bout, an interim heavyweight title clash between Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich was arranged as the main event for UFC 295. Aspinall emerged victorious in spectacular fashion, securing a first-round knockout victory in just 1 minute and 9 seconds.
For Aspinall, the missed opportunity to face Miocic at UFC 300 represents a setback in his quest to solidify his status as the premier heavyweight fighter in the world. A victory over Miocic would have undoubtedly positioned Aspinall for a highly anticipated title unification bout against Jones, promising an epic clash for the ages.
Despite the disappointment, Aspinall has expressed respect and admiration for Jones, acknowledging the former champion’s remarkable achievements in the sport. The feud between Aspinall and Jones, which had previously played out on social media, appears to have been put to rest for the time being, with Aspinall extending well wishes to Jones for a successful recovery and eventual return to the octagon.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits Jones’ rehabilitation and eventual comeback, the stage is set for a potential blockbuster matchup between Jones and Miocic in the future, reigniting speculation and excitement among fans of the sport.
