In a stunning rejection that has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has emphatically dismissed any prospect of facing British interim title holder Tom Aspinall.
The explosive revelation came during a social media exchange where Jones made his position brutally clear, stating he has "zero interest" in fighting the Wigan-born fighter despite Aspinall's interim championship status.
The Social Media Showdown
Jones didn't mince words when responding to a fan's suggestion about the potential superfight. "I have zero interest in fighting Tom Aspinall," the champion declared. "I faced the toughest competition my entire career. I don't become a champion and then fight the number 8, 9 and 10 best guys in the world."
This brutal dismissal comes despite Aspinall's spectacular 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 to claim the interim belt, a performance that many believed cemented his status as Jones' next logical opponent.
Miocic Remains the Priority
Jones revealed that his sights remain firmly set on legendary former champion Stipe Miocic, the matchup originally scheduled for UFC 295 before Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle that forced his withdrawal.
"The Stipe fight is a lot more interesting to me," Jones explained, highlighting the legacy implications of facing the two-time champion widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. "It's a lot more interesting."
Aspinall's Frustration Grows
The British star's position has become increasingly awkward as he holds an interim title without a clear path to unification. Aspinall has been vocal about his desire to face Jones, even offering to step in as a replacement if either fighter withdraws from the rescheduled Jones-Miocic bout.
However, Jones' latest comments suggest the unification fight British fight fans are desperate to see may never materialise, leaving Aspinall in championship limbo despite his spectacular rise through the heavyweight ranks.
What Next for British MMA?
This development represents a significant blow to UK MMA enthusiasts who had hoped to see Aspinall challenge for the undisputed crown. The 30-year-old British fighter has looked nothing short of sensational in his recent outings, but now faces the prospect of either waiting indefinitely or potentially being stripped of his interim status.
As the UFC heavyweight division navigates this unexpected stalemate, one thing remains clear: Jon Jones is calling the shots, and Tom Aspinall isn't currently in his plans.
