Tom Aspinall has been speaking about the ongoing saga surrounding a potential unification bout against reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has been chasing the fight against 'Bones' (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) ever since he beat Sergei Pavlovich to win the interim title back in November of 2023, and the Brit insists that the delay is down to Jones and his team.
“Where we’re at right now is, I have spoke to the UFC on multiple occasions on this fight,” Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. “I’m chasing it. I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying, ‘I want the fight. When’s it happening?’ I want the fight more than anyone. What is holding it up right now is his side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really, really want the fight to happen. They’ve told me that. This is one of the biggest fights in MMA. Does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me? And that is where we’re at".
Aspinall last appeared in the Octagon at UFC 304 back in July when he beat Curtis Blaydes. Since then, he's been eagerly awaiting confirmation from the UFC that the unification bout is set to go ahead. If they fail to strike a deal with Jones, Aspinall insists he would be happy to fight somebody else.
“The UFC tell me, they assure me they are doing everything they can to make this fight", said the 30-year-old. "So as far as I’m aware, this is now totally down to Jon Jones and his team to work that out. I’m literally just waiting for a date. But what’s holding it back is the UFC want to make the fight with me and Jon, and as far as I’m aware, it’s now about maybe financial, or otherwise. I’m not too sure, to be honest. I’m just waiting for the call right now.”
“I said quite a while ago now: I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting,” Aspinall said. “That’s something that I said. Jon, let’s do it. If you want to do it, you don’t have to ask me twice. If not, I’ll fight somebody else for the undisputed belt. Happy to fight anybody. Any time, anywhere – doesn’t matter. I’m ready to go.”
