Stipe Miocic defiant in protection of Jon Jones struggle

Stipe Miocic desires what he desires, and that’s all that issues to him – Tom Aspinall and UFC followers be damned.

A struggle between Miocic and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been talked about ever because it first received booked and subsequently fell aside final October after Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle simply weeks earlier than they have been set to headline UFC 295 at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.

To some, Jones vs. Miocic pits two legends in opposition to one another in a dream matchup. To Aspinall, it’s a nightmare. That’s as a result of, as the present UFC interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall needs to be subsequent to unify with Jones – apart from the truth that each Jones and Miocic are lifeless set on preventing solely one another, which UFC CEO Dana White is on board with.

Whereas Miocic would possibly really feel some empathy for Aspinall, who as an alternative will defend his interim belt later this month in opposition to Curtis Blaydes, the reality of the matter is that he doesn’t actually care.

“I get it. I’d really feel the identical method, however I’m not taking something away from him,” Miocic mentioned in an interview with CBS Sports activities’ Shakiel Mahjouri. “The UFC can do what they need. It’s what it’s. There’s just one man I wish to struggle, (and) it’s Jon Jones. However on the similar time, the UFC can decide who they need. … I’m not holding up any division like everybody says. I don’t care. Do what you need and cease crying. I’m not saying (Aspinall) is crying. I’m simply saying like followers and stuff like that.”

So when will Miocic, who hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou some 3 1/2 years in the past, lastly get his shot at Jones? The prevailing notion is that the long-awaited showdown will headline the UFC’s return to Madison Sq. Backyard this November, however that’s solely a goal – and maybe removed from a accomplished deal in case you take Miocic at his phrase.

“Truthfully I don’t know,” Miocic mentioned. “I’m simply gonna preserve coaching, and we’ll see what occurs. Yeah, that’s all I’ve to say.”

All Miocic is aware of for positive is that he desires to struggle Jones and solely Jones, motivated by the sensation that he’s already been counted out.

“Everybody thinks he’s going to beat my ass. I don’t like being informed that,” Miocic mentioned. “I like shutting individuals up. He’s beatable. I do know he’s. Anybody is beatable, and I would be the first to do that.”