It seems Tom Aspinall is ready to move past the focus on Jon Jones.
For nearly 600 days, Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has been awaiting his opportunity to establish himself as the world`s best.
Whether this opportunity involves a title unification bout against Jon Jones is still uncertain.
When recently questioned about facing Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones left fans speculating by stating he`s waiting for the UFC to make an official announcement.
Aspinall, the interim champion, for his part, has proclaimed himself the undisputed heavyweight champion, suggesting ‘Bones’ is effectively retired.
The prolonged anticipation for a potential Jones vs. Aspinall clash persists, leading some fans to liken Aspinall`s situation to Michael Chandler`s lengthy wait for a never-materialized fight with Conor McGregor.
Aspinall: I`m Not Like Michael Chandler Waiting for Just One Fight
UFC Lightweight Michael Chandler famously waited two years for a bout with McGregor, scheduled for UFC 303 last summer, only for it to be canceled due to McGregor`s broken toe injury. A year later, Chandler still appears focused on fighting ‘The Notorious’.
Regarding Jon Jones, Aspinall maintains that he isn`t simply waiting for a specific opponent.
“I see many people comparing me to Michael Chandler,” Aspinall commented.
“Michael Chandler waited a long time for Conor McGregor and so on. I am not waiting for just one specific fight. I am not aiming to fight only one person.”
“My goal is to fight all the top contenders,” Aspinall clarified.
“I want to be the fighter in the heavyweight division who defeats everyone. It doesn`t matter who the opponent is – Ciryl Gane, a rematch with Alexander Volkov, Jailton Almeida, Derrick Lewis, Brock Lesnar, whoever. I honestly don`t care.”
“I aim to fight everyone and compete as frequently as possible, bringing excitement back to this division.”
Aspinall emphasizes that his focus isn`t solely on fighting Jon Jones, but rather on competing for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
Petition to Strip Jon Jones of UFC Title Approaches 200,000 Signatures
The UFC has not yet announced its plans for the heavyweight division or clarified Jon Jones`s future involvement.
Given this uncertainty, many fans have collectively taken action.
Last week, a Change.org petition calling for Jones to be stripped of his heavyweight title surpassed 100,000 signatures. Within days, it gained further traction, reaching 150,000 signatures.
Currently, the petition, which Tom Aspinall has publicly supported, stands at 179,418 signatures, nearing the 200,000 milestone.
Only time will reveal the impact of this petition as the MMA community awaits the UFC`s final decision regarding the heavyweight title situation involving Jones and Aspinall.
Rupert Hartwell