The UFC 309 saga between Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall is as intriguing as it is frustrating. Fans really want to see Jones being tested by Aspinall who represents the new breed of fighters in the UFC. What fans are getting instead is Aspinall playing third-wheel to Jon Jones and whoever the heavyweight champion wants to fight, be it Stipe Miocic or possibly Alex Pereira. The Englishman feels like he has all the skills required to beat Jon Jones, and perhaps Jones also believes that somewhere deep down inside, especially with him being the older fighter by a stretch.
Naturally, fans and fight analysts like Luke Thomas have come to the conclusion that Jon Jones is clearly ducking Tom Aspinall. With these allegations finding a steady rhythm, the heavyweight champion was forced to address them, and even take stock of Tom Aspinall’s situation. With Jones calling Aspinall ‘annoying’ and that stating that ‘he proven himself’, these allegations have forced Jones to take stock of Aspinall’s situation in all of this.
Jon Jones changes tune on Tom Aspinall and feels he has the potential to make it big
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Aspinall will be present at Madison Square Garden and will serve as a backup fighter for the event. Whether his presence will have an effect on the champion or not, ‘Bones’ will have to shut the noise and fully focus on ‘Stone Cold’ on fight day. Despite facing a lot of allegations of ‘ducking’ the challenge of Aspinall, Jones has some nice words for the Brit. He recently sat down for a chat with ESPN MMA where he shared his honest opinion on the whole situation, and felt that Aspinall did the right thing by calling him out.
During the interview, he said, “Everyone wants to fight me. That’s just what it is. Tom’s head is in the right place. He should want to fight the top guys in the world. I believe that he has time to fight the top guys in the world. As far as fighting me right now I’m fighting Stipe right and you don’t make it this far in a UFC career looking past your opponents. I’m aware of Tom and the work he’s put in. I think he could have a tremendous future in the UFC. ”
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Jon Jones is making his comeback after a long layoff from the sport. While the 37-year-old has returned to form he has not been tested in the Octagon since beating Ciryl Gane in March 2023. His pectoral injury, in fact, seems to have taken a toll on the body of the champion. During a recent interview, he shared how he was feeling before the fight and gave an update about his injury.
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Can Jon Jones still dominate the octagon, or is Tom Aspinall the real threat he fears?
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Jon Jones is not as strong as he was
Since the time the fight was announced, Jones has been the favorite going into the fight, and is expected to beat the 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. The former heavyweight champion Miocic has been out of action for more than three years now which might prove to be a disadvantage for him. However, the playing field may be more even than previously thought, as Jones’ pectoral injury last November, and all the wear and tear through his fighting career may have taken him out of form.
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‘Bones’ made a stark revelation during a recent interview with the ‘New York Post’. He said, “But I know the sport can only wait for so long, and I do feel healed enough to be in there. I’m not as strong as I used to be but I’m smarter than ever. I have a lot of experience and I’m plenty strong and it’s going to be a great fight,”. Regardless of layoffs, injuries or possible ring rust, it all comes down to who game plans during fight day.
What are your thoughts on Jon Jones ducking Tom Aspinall. Will Jones be in position to face him if he beats Stipe Miocic at UFC 309? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Can Jon Jones still dominate the octagon, or is Tom Aspinall the real threat he fears?