Tom Aspinall is chasing greatness with or with out Jon Jones.
After knocking out Sergei Pavlovich to assert the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295, Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) hoped to unify his belt with heavyweight champion Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) subsequent. Nonetheless, with Jones repeatedly dismissing him, he could not ever get that chance.
As an alternative of a title-unification bout with Jones, Aspinall runs issues again with Curtis Blaydes (18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) within the UFC 304 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) co-main occasion July 27 in Manchester, England. Blaydes received their first battle by TKO in July 2022 after Aspinall blew out his knee 15 seconds into the battle.
When requested if Jones would be the one massive battle that received away if it by no means occurs, Aspinall mentioned he received’t let that narrative outline his profession.
“I imply, I’d prefer it clearly,” Aspinall advised MMA Junkie. “I’ve been rallying for it for a very long time now. I’ve not received the battle, and I don’t know if it’s ever going to occur however, I’m probably not that bothered.
“I’m right here to create my very own legacy, and I’m attempting to be nice myself, and I don’t want Jon Jones to do this. If I might get that, improbable. I actually suppose I can beat him however, I ain’t centered on that proper now to be sincere. I’m simply serious about Curtis Blaydes and that’s it.”
Jones revealed that his first title protection towards Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) will happen Nov. 9 in New York in what is predicted to be the UFC’s annual pay-per-view card in Madison Sq. Backyard.
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