Jon Jones’s recent career advice was well received by Tom Aspinall.
Despite having conflicting interests, Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) actually agreed with Jones’ comments and suggestions for him in a recent interview.
Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC), the UFC heavyweight champion, said Aspinall, who holds the interim belt, shouldn’t get hung up on a fight between the two of them. Instead, Jones, who is recovering from injury, said Aspinall should move forward and continue his fighting career.
The Englishman concurs.
“I agree. I absolutely agree,” Aspinall said Monday on The MMA Hour. “I’ve shown nothing but respect for Jon Jones. I respect him more than a lot of people, put it that way, more than a lot of people. I respect what Jon Jones has done in the sport. It’s incredible. I appreciate the advice. I won’t let you hold me back. Like I said, it doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing. This is my journey. This is my path. There’s up and downs to it. This is heavyweight MMA and anything can happen at any time.”
Aspinall won the UFC interim heavyweight title in November, when he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. The usual practice is to have the interim champion face the undisputed in their return to unify the titles. In this instance, however, UFC CEO Dana White has insisted the plan is for Miocic to fight Jones next.
Aspinall hasn’t been happy with this plan, and has been vocal about it. He still disagrees with not getting the title unification against Jones later this year – but has come to terms with the idea.
“I’ve openly said that I don’t think what’s going on with Jon Jones is right,” Aspinall said. “I don’t think that the UFC’s decision is right, but that’s just my opinion and I stated my opinion. I respect their opinion and their decision, and I respect everything that Jon Jones and the UFC has done and are doing.
“A lot of people online saying, ‘Hey, Tom. You need to stop crying,’ and I thought, ‘You know what? I f*cking need to stop crying about it. They’re right.’ I need to stop crying about it, move forward, and get on with my career, and prove that I’m the best. That’s exactly what I intend on doing.”
