Turned Down by Dana White and Jon Jones, Dejected Tom Aspinall Is Forced to Swallow His Own Words – “I Guess I Have to Prove Myself More”

31-year-old Tom Aspinall is all set to return to the Octagon at UFC 304 next. The interim heavyweight champion will take on Curtis Blaydes in an exciting heavyweight battle. However, it was very evident that the hard-hitting Brit was desperate to take on Jon Jones next in his career. Despite calling out the heavyweight champion on multiple occasions, ‘Honey Badger’ received no response from him.

Aspinall won the interim belt at UFC 295 against Sergei Pavlovich after Jon Jones pulled out of the event because of an injury. So why is he not the first-choice opponent for ‘Bones’ next? Let us find out what the 31-year-old had to say about it.

Tom Aspinall reveals the real reason for Jon Jones not accepting his fight

Jon Jones surprised everyone when he won the heavyweight title in the first round against Ciryl Gane. Currently on a break, Jones is working hard to make a return to the Octagon. One of his biggest rivals at present is current interim champion Tom Aspinall. Both fighters have been involved in a lot of social media brawl, with Aspinall wanting to test himself against the best. However, the chances of the fight happening this year are slim. In an interaction with Costa, the 31-year-old reflected on the reason behind the delay in his battle with Jones saying, “Jones has his own rules, doesn’t he? And that’s between him and the UFC.”

Aspinall has now moved on from the dream fight and is desperate to prove himself in the division. While speaking to the host, he further added, “I don’t know. I guess I have to prove myself more to get to his level of rules, I guess. I don’t know. That’s what I am doing wrong, breaking more rules.” The Englishman will be desperate to catch the attention of most people, including Jones, with his performance at UFC 304. However, it will be interesting to see whether a win can land him the opportunity to face Jon Jones next.

Talking about opportunities, Jones is all set to make a return to the Octagon after a long gap. Despite all the fuss around Aspinall, the 36-year-old is focused on his next opponent, Stipe Miocic. He recently took to his X account to share the exact details of his preparation before his comeback.

Jon Jones gives fans the latest update about his mindset before his return

36-year-old Jon Jones is considered by many as the best MMA fighter ever to have graced the Octagon. However, an injury to the champion has derailed his journey to the UFC. But it now seems that the two-division champion is desperate to make a statement on his return. ‘Bones’ has his eyes set on his probable next opponent, Stipe Miocic, and is leaving no stones unturned in his preparation. The fight is yet to be announced by the UFC but the fans have already termed it as the battle of G.O.A. T.’s.

He recently took to his X account to share a message for the fans about his mindset before his comeback. Jones wrote, “Absolutely I’m convincing myself this is gonna be a hard fight. I do that every time. It’s probably why I always win. I talk a lot of shit, but people don’t see how hard I go. I got six months until November and I’m working like a dog. Working like it’s my first championship.” ‘Bones’ seems to be putting in the hard yards with only one goal in his mind, i.e. victory.

Do you feel Tom Aspinall deserves a fight against Jon Jones? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.