Tom Aspinall isn’t giving up in his pursuit of a fight with the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
The British powerhouse has been chasing his dream fight with Jones since capturing interim gold almost a year ago. Despite his continued effort at increasing his star power, it doesn’t look likely that the 31-year-old will face the division’s kingpin next.
While all signs are pointing toward Jon Jones competing against Stipe Miocic in a legacy fight, it hasn’t dampened Tom Aspinall’s spirits.
Aspinall still has his sights firmly set on Jones, once again making that clear following his victory at UFC 304.
“I’m the best heavyweight in the world,” Aspinall said after claiming another first round win on Saturday. “Prove me wrong, Jon.”
“If you think you are, prove me wrong. Simple. Nothing personal. I ain’t hating on [anybody]. I’m the best heavyweight in the world. If you think you are, let’s settle it. [It’s] as simple as that.”
"Prove me wrong Jon."
Tom Aspinall doubles down on his callout of Jon Jones 👀 #UFC304
(via @AspinallMMA) pic.twitter.com/sVUSrjuvYa
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 28, 2024
Though he’s one of the very best fighters on the planet, the heavyweight still has a humble approach to his displays inside the octagon.
Beating a killer like Curtis Blaydes just one minute into the first round seemingly wasn’t good enough for Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall claimed that there is much room for improvement after his performance, but insisted that nobody can handle him when he lands cleanly.
Related: Jon Jones: ‘They all know who the actual champion is’
“The performance was a bit messy, to be honest,” Aspinall stated during the post-fight press conference. “If I hit anybody clean, they’re going over. That’s what’s going on these days.”
“If I hit someone clean, they’re going over and there’s no arguments about that. It’s proven now.”
Nobody believes in Tom Aspinall’s ability more than Tom Aspinall. The interim champion thinks he will be too much for either Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic to handle if he ever gets his hands on the two legend’s.
“Whoever wins that one, I’m fighting next, for sure. Unless they both retire… I’m sure we will [hear from Jones] at some stage. He’ll be very angry about it all, the fact that everyone’s saying that I can beat him.”
“On the contrary to what Jon Jones fan boys might think, I have nothing against Jon Jones as a person.”
“I think I’m the best heavyweight in the world, and if he thinks he’s the best heavyweight in the world, let’s settle it. [It’s as] simple as that. It’s not rocket science.”
“There’s two guys, claiming to be the best heavyweight in the world, let’s settle it. [It’s as] simple as that.”
