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Tom Aspinall fires back with a bold stance, insisting that Jones should be stripped of the coveted title, in the aftermath of Jon Jones' recent tirade defending his UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Aspinall has not held back in expressing his opinion that Jones deserves to lose the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Jones, originally set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic in the UFC 295 main event, suffered a setback due to a torn pectoral muscle, leading to the cancellation of the anticipated bout. The interim heavyweight title matchup between Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich replaced the Jones vs. Miocic fight, and Aspinall made a statement by knocking out Pavlovich in just over a minute.
Following his interim title win, Aspinall claimed that interest in the Jones vs. Miocic matchup had dwindled and called for Jones to relinquish the heavyweight gold. In response, Jones took to his X account, defending his legacy and dismissing Aspinall's request.
“I’ve faced the absolute toughest competition this world had to offer for 15 years now. During camp for a title defense I sustained a major injury that required surgery for the first time in my career. Now I have newcomers requesting I get my championship stripped.
Zero wins over legends, zero title defenses and already thinking you can call the shots to Dana, that’s hilarious. In my 15 year career I have seen so many guys who are supposed to be the next big thing. There’s ever only been one Jon Jones, never forget that,” Jones wrote.
In response to Jones' comments, Aspinall admitted, "You’re right. Sorry Jon."
Despite Aspinall's strong stance, UFC CEO Dana White remains committed to rebooking the Jones vs. Miocic matchup. The question now lingers whether Aspinall will wait for the outcome or step back into the Octagon to defend his interim gold. As it stands, the prospect of Aspinall's wish of stripping Jones of the UFC Heavyweight Championship appears unlikely.