Jon Jones: Refusing to be an Aspinall Fanboy
In a recent display of classic Jon Jones bravado, the UFC heavyweight champion
made it abundantly clear that any talk of Tom Aspinall
is off the table. Yes folks, it looks like we might be experiencing the first
fighter in history to actively dodge questions about another fighter while
preparing for a title defence. Who says you can’t be the champion and also have
a touch of diva queen flair?
Jones on the Run!
On Wednesday, as reported by TNT Sports, Jones had a rare opportunity to speak
with reporter Adam Catterall—a man who’s apparently best pals with Aspinall.
With a face that clearly said, “Not today, buddy,” Jones promptly told Catterall,
“Hey, I’m not going to do this interview.” The line was classics; it’s not quite
“I’m not doing this with you,” but we all know what he meant when he added,
“because it’s going to be an Aspinall-fest.”
It’s like going to a nice dinner and realising the main course is nothing
but soggy rice and sad peas—no one’s coming for that, Jon! We get it, you’re
about to defend your heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic
this Saturday at UFC 309 in New York,
but come on, a little chit-chat never hurt anybody!
A Little Personal?
After Catterall was (understandably) taken aback, Jon attempted to soften the blow
by saying it was “nothing personal,” but you could cut the tension with a knife.
“I see how close you [and Aspinall] are; common sense tells me what type of
questions I was going to get asked,” he said. So, in case anyone missed it:
Jon Jones isn’t just fighting Miocic; he’s also fighting Aspinall’s shadow.
It’s like being haunted by a really friendly ghost who just keeps asking about
your best mate. Awkward, huh?
Here’s What You’re Missing
So, what is all this hype about Aspinall? Well, since winning that shiny interim
title, he’s been content to play the backup role for this weekend’s big dance.
He’s got his sights set on convincing either Jones or Miocic to spare him a few
punches after their main event showdown. That’s like showing up to a party
holding a cake only to find out it’s a no-sugar zone—disastrous yet commendable!
Jones: The King of Undefeated History
And let’s not forget, Jon Jones is hailed as one of the greatest fighters of all
time. Undefeated for a decade in the light heavyweight division, with numerous
title defenses and a history of defeating legends, he’s not just any fighter;
he’s THE fighter. This isn’t some amateur night at the comedy club, folks;
Jones is at the pinnacle of his game. So it’s understandable to be a bit tetchy
about uninvited question marks hovering over his fight against Miocic.
The Show Must Go On
Just think about it: preparing for a fight, and your exit strategy turns into
an excuse to avoid talking about your potential next match-up. It’s the kind of
drama we all secretly live for. So while Jon may be putting on a brave face,
you have to wonder if he’s just a bit scared of Aspinall’s rising star. After all,
nobody likes being eclipsed, especially by someone who was previously a shadow in the background.
Wrap It Up!
In any case, whether it’s “Aspinall-Fest” or “Jones vs. Miocic,” the readers
have found themselves prompt to tune in this Saturday. It promises to be a matchup
filled with excitement, tension, and who knows, perhaps a dash of unexpected humor.
Let’s just hope that our friend Jon Jones doesn’t avoid the *actual* questions
like he does with his smoke alarms!
Now let’s see if he can avoid any surprises in the octagon!
Jon Jones has made it clear that he is no longer interested in questions about Tom Aspinall.
During an interview on Wednesday, Jones abruptly declined to speak with TNT Sports reporter Adam Catterall, who he anticipated would press him for more information regarding Aspinall. The UFC heavyweight champion is set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 this Saturday in New York, a match that has sparked considerable interest as it could lead to a future showdown with Aspinall to unify their titles.
A clip captures Jones swiftly exiting the interview room after his initial hello (h/t Championship Rounds):
“Hey, I’m not going to do this interview,” Jones stated firmly upon recognizing Catterall. “No, because it’s going to be an Aspinall-fest.”
In a subsequent conversation in the lobby, Jones reiterated to Catterall that it was “nothing personal,” but added, “I see how close you [and Aspinall] are; common sense tells me what type of questions I was going to get asked.”
In response, Catterall acknowledged Jones’s stance: “You’re entitled to it. Speak to who you want to.”
Remarkably, Jones later returned to the interview room, this time speaking with Nick Peet of TNT Sports, where he was pleasantly not confronted with any inquiries regarding Aspinall, as shown in the video below.
Regarded as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history, Jones dominated the UFC light heavyweight division for a decade, remaining undefeated aside from a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill. He amassed multiple title defenses and triumphed over numerous legendary fighters, many of whom will undoubtedly land in the UFC Hall of Fame. In March 2023, Jones claimed the vacant heavyweight title after overcoming Ciryl Gane.
While Miocic was originally scheduled to challenge Jones at UFC 295 last December, an untimely pectoral injury sidelined Jones, causing a delay in his return to the octagon. In his absence, Aspinall showcased his skill by defeating Sergei Pavlovich, thus earning an interim title.
With the highly anticipated Jones-Miocic matchup postponed for an entire year, Aspinall successfully defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes this past July. Ever since winning the interim belt, Aspinall has been vocal about his desire to face Jones; however, Jones has continuously dismissed those requests, indicating a lack of interest in a bout with Aspinall.
On Saturday, Aspinall is set to weigh in as the backup fighter for the main event, expressing hopes to persuade either Jones or Miocic to remain on-site, irrespective of the fight’s outcome, for a potential matchup.
How will the outcome of the Jones versus Miocic fight influence potential future matchups in the UFC?
P>
It seems that the tension was palpable during Jones’s interaction with Catterall, highlighting the underlying rivalry and anticipation surrounding the heavyweight division. While Jones may have sidestepped the Aspinall questions for now, it’s clear that the storyline will continue to unfold as the UFC landscape shifts. With the potential unification battle on the horizon, fans are left eagerly awaiting how this saga will play out.
The Heavyweight Scene
As the heavyweight division heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming bout between Jones and Miocic. With both champions possessing tremendous skills and a history of high-stakes fights, the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, the shadow of Aspinall looms large, and regardless of the outcome, the possibility of a future clash adds another layer of excitement for fans.
In Conclusion
Whether Jones likes it or not, Aspinall’s presence has become an inevitable talking point. As the UFC continues to thrive on drama and rivalries, it’s a narrative that fans and analysts will keep revisiting. For now, though, all attention is focused on the octagon as UFC 309 approaches. Will Jones defend his title successfully? And how will Aspinall fit into the picture moving forward? Only time will tell!
