We are just one day away from UFC 309 and the fans are feeling the momentum of excitement building up. Two of the biggest names in the sport, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are all set to take on each other. However, the heavyweight division is incomplete without mentioning the name of Tom Aspinall. For the unversed, the interim champion has weighed in as the backup for the MSG card’s main event.
However, the Englishman was nowhere to be seen at the press conference for the event. Is the hard-hitting Brit running away from facing ‘Bones’ after all the social media brawls? Well, it seems he wanted to be present but the UFC had different plans.
Tom Aspinall was advised to stay away from the UFC 309 press conference
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Yes, you read it right! Tom Aspinall was indeed advised to stay away from the UFC 309 press conference. In an X video posted by Jed. I Goodman, UFC legend and analyst Daniel Cormier asked Aspinall as to why he was not present at the event, “I wish you were there bro. I wish you were there. You couldn’t even go in as a spectator big Tom. That’s what you are saying? ” Aspinall was quick to respond and said, “Wait wait I got to pull up there DC a little bit. Because I asked to be at the press conference. I was told no. I was trying to go and I got blacklisted from the press conference. ”
Tom Aspinall: I asked to be at the press conference. I was told no.#UFC309pic.twitter.com/0cVWiO1EgX
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 15, 2024
Cormier recently shared his thoughts on a potential matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While he did advocate for the unification bout, he debunked the idea that Jones fears Aspinall. DC highlighted Aspinall’s status as the interim heavyweight champion and a key figure in the new wave of heavyweight contenders. However, he emphasized that Jones has no reason to fear any fighter, suggesting that the UFC champion’s reluctance could be more about strategic legacy preservation than intimidation.
Cormier also pointed out that a fight with Aspinall could be a risky venture but argued that risks are part of what keeps MMA exciting. He added that such a matchup would bring legitimacy to the heavyweight title’s generational shift, aligning with the sport’s traditions. However, their rivalry has now taken a completely new turn. Jones for a long period has shown no interest in facing Tom Aspinall and even faced a lot of backlash from the fans. He has now surprised everyone after walking out of a scheduled interview during the UFC 309 fight week.
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Is UFC shielding Tom Aspinall from Jon Jones, or is there more to the story?
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Jon Jones gives a new turn to his rivalry with Tom Aspinall before UFC 309
Tom Aspinall’s budding rivalry with Jon Jones has sparked interest across the MMA world, fueled by contrasting styles and narratives. Aspinall had called for a fight with Jones on multiple occasions, aiming to dethrone the legendary champion and solidify his place among the elite. Jones, however, has dismissed Aspinall as a challenger, citing his own established legacy. The tension between Jones and Aspinall, which had already played out on social media has now reached a boiling point.
‘Bones’ recently walked out of an interview with TNT reporter Adam Catterall, stating, “I’m not doing this interview. It’s going to be an Aspinall fest.” Catterall is known for being a friend of Aspinall and was the person behind the ‘Fight Lab’ series which added weight to Aspinall’s legitimacy as the one facing Jones next.
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For the unversed, TNT launched the series in collaboration with Tom Aspinall, with the first episode airing on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+ and Jones was aware that the questions will be surrounding Aspinall. However, with him walking out of the interview, the presence of the interim champion at the event will now be worth a watch.
Do you think Jon Jones should finally accept Aspinall’s challenge if he defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 309? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Is UFC shielding Tom Aspinall from Jon Jones, or is there more to the story?