Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is close to realizing his wish.
Tom Aspinall has been waiting for nearly two years for a fight with Jon Jones for the lineal UFC heavyweight title. After a prolonged wait for Jones to sign the contract, it seems this long saga is nearing its end.
Aspinall made a rare interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July. Since then, his focus has been entirely on a potential matchup with Jones, particularly after Jones` dominant victory at UFC 309 in November.
The last few months have been a rollercoaster for Aspinall, as he`s been continuously waiting for Jones and UFC matchmakers to reach an agreement. Negotiations reached a point where the Aspinall vs. Jones fight seemed uncertain, but Aspinall gained clarity from UFC CBO Hunter Campbell in a recent meeting.
Tom Aspinall hints at upcoming news about a fight with Jon Jones.
Just days after calling Jones a “strange guy,” Aspinall appears to have some great news, but will not disclose it following a recent promise to UFC management.
In a recent upload to his YouTube channel, Aspinall provided an encouraging update on his return to the UFC.
“I know everyone wants fight news, but I do know what is happening now,” Aspinall said.
“I have been sworn to secrecy for a little bit, so stay tuned… but news will be coming, hopefully very soon.”
UFC CEO Dana White recently hinted that the Jones vs. Aspinall fight is “done,” but the promotion is working out the details. The fight could potentially happen during UFC International Fight Week in June, especially after rumors of Dricus du Plessis`s injury.
Jon Jones`s former rival urged him to “walk away” from a fight with Tom Aspinall.
One of Jones`s past light heavyweight rivals believes the UFC heavyweight champion is making a mistake by agreeing to fight Aspinall this year. Vitor Belfort encouraged Jones to “walk away” and retire on a high note, avoiding the risk that the Aspinall fight presents.
Belfort nearly handed Jones one of his few career defeats, dislocating Jones`s shoulder before the then-light heavyweight champion put it back in place. Jones ultimately dominated and won the fight.
Many believe Aspinall will be the toughest test of Jones`s career, surpassing his past fights with Dominick Reyes and Alexander Gustafsson. Time will tell if the biggest heavyweight fight in the UFC will become a reality.
Rupert Hartwell