Tom Aspinall Claims Jon Jones is Holding UFC Heavyweight Title Hostage
As UFC 309 approaches, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has shared some fiery thoughts on Jon Jones’s upcoming title bout with Stipe Miocic. Aspinall, who considers himself the rightful No. 1 contender, is not impressed by Jones’s choice to fight Miocic instead of him, describing the matchup as “two old farts” fighting over a disputed title:
“The problem is he has the heavyweight title and I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world,” Aspinall remarked, voicing frustration that his own title ambitions are side-lined.
Aspinall Questions Jon Jones-Miocic Title as “Undisputed”
Aspinall took to his YouTube channel to share his thoughts on the upcoming heavyweight clash, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the “undisputed” title:
“Big heavyweight title fight this weekend,” he began. “Bit of a strange one because, in all honesty, who is really that interested in this fight being a title fight? … This is far from undisputed. This is the most disputed title that you can possibly get because it’s two champions and one of the champions, Jon Jones, is avoiding the other champion, me.”
He didn’t hold back in his critique, pointing out the age and experience of both fighters and how, in his view, they are keeping the belt from the true contenders:
“These are two old farts fighting each other for a title and occupying it, which is a bit weird,” Aspinall added, underscoring his frustration at being left out of the title picture.
Aspinall Says Belt Being Held Hostage
Aspinall went on to share how deeply he feels about the UFC heavyweight title and his right to compete for it:
“Since I’ve been a young boy … I’m going to be the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion of the world, and he’s got it and he’s holding it hostage and he won’t fight me for it,” Aspinall said.
He emphasized that his issue isn’t with Jones personally but with the champion’s refusal to give him a shot at the title. Aspinall’s focus remains solely on becoming the undisputed champion.
Aspinall Fires Back
Aspinall didn’t hesitate to address Jones’s dismissal of him as an unworthy opponent, pushing back against the idea that he lacks credibility:
“[Jones] likes to be smart about his approach and control the narrative of fans by saying he’s the GOAT—which he’s definitely got a case for—by saying, ‘This guy Tom Aspinall’s a nobody,’” Aspinall argued. He highlighted his top ranking and impressive record, stating, “I’m a nobody who has a No. 1 ranking and has finished five of the top-10 guys in the first round.”
For Aspinall, his accomplishments speak for themselves, and he believes Jones’s reluctance to face him is more about self-preservation than any lack of legitimacy on his part.
Aspinall’s Final Challenge to Jon Jones
As UFC 309 draws near, Aspinall also took issue with Jones’s claim that he needs “more champions” on his record to be worthy of a fight. Aspinall pointed out the contradiction in this logic, saying, “Jon said I need to fight more champions, but this is the problem I’ve got. Jon is the champion and he won’t fight me … because it’s too much of a gamble.”
Ending his critique, Aspinall took a direct shot at Jones, suggesting that his reluctance to fight him hints at a deeper fear of losing:
“Jon, if you’re not into gambling your legacy, that to me sounds like you’re scared of losing against me,” he concluded.
Do you think we ever see this fight solved? Let us know!
Featured credits to Embed From Getty Images
