Interim champion Tom Aspinall criticizes Jon Jones’ fight delay: “That makes me angry”

Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) is not happy that UFC leadership is asking him to sit out and wait for the winner of the scheduled fight between Jon Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1, 1 NC UFC) and Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC), which is scheduled to take place on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City as the headliner of UFC 309.

Aspinall, who just scored a first-round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event of UFC 304, said he is looking for answers as to why he is not considered the rightful No. 1 contender to fight Jones.

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“It makes me angry; I don't like to fucking complain,” said Aspinall told The Believe me podcast. “Because everyone says: “Oh, you're crying about that.” There are six guys in the top 10 that I beat in the first round. Just let that sink in. Six guys in the top 10 that I beat in the first round. I just beat the No. 1 contender, Ciryl Gane. And the No. 1 contender before him, that was Sergei Pavlovich, in a total time of 2:07. Two fights. So, damn it, Jon is not doing that. He beat a guy, Ciryl Gane, who didn't want to be there. [in the Octagon] two years ago. Dana walks around and calls herself [Jon Jones] the real champion. Granted, he's had an incredible career. He's been a real champion for most of his career. Not at heavyweight. I'm the heavyweight guy. Not him. Me. So I want to be recognized as the best. I have the real belt.”

The UFC, however, sees things differently. Jones, who last competed 17 months ago and has been recovering from a chest injury sustained in training camp weeks before UFC 295, has remained champion. This contradicts the UFC's standard of inactivity when stripping champions.

Instead of giving Aspinall a title shot, CEO Dana White insisted that Jones and Miocic must fight simply because of their legacy and prestige, not because of rankings or activity.

It is unclear whether the Jones-Aspinall clash will ever take place, but in the eyes of fans it is a must-see attraction.

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Do you think Jones should fight Miocic next or wait for Aspinall?

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