Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall were two names that were constantly pitted against each other in the world of mixed martial arts. Their potential matchup was highly anticipated and hyped up by fans and media alike, but unfortunately, it never came to fruition. Despite this, their rivalry remains alive and well, with the latest comments from Aspinall adding fuel to the fire.
For those who may not be familiar with the backstory, Jones and Aspinall were supposed to face off in the octagon last year. Aspinall, a rising star in the heavyweight division, had called out Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, and a matchup between the two seemed inevitable. However, just when the hype for the fight was at its peak, Jones announced his retirement from the sport.
Many believed that this would be the end of their rivalry, that the two fighters would move on and never cross paths again. However, it seems that the animosity between them is still very much present. During a recent interview while reviewing the UFC White House card, Aspinall made some comments that rubbed salt on Jones’ wounds.
Aspinall, who was asked about Jones’ decision to retire, responded with a sly smile and said, “Well, I think it’s no secret that I was hoping he would stay retired.” This statement, although subtle, clearly shows that the English fighter still harbors some ill feelings towards Jones. And it’s not hard to see why.
Jones, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, has been constantly criticized for his controversial actions outside the octagon. From failed drug tests to legal troubles, Jones has faced numerous setbacks in his career. Aspinall, on the other hand, has been making a name for himself with his impressive performances inside the cage. It’s no surprise that the Englishman would want to capitalize on Jones’ retirement and make a statement.
But it’s not just about personal animosity. Aspinall has also expressed his disappointment at not being able to face Jones in the octagon. He stated, “I felt like I was entitled to that fight. I felt like I had earned that fight. And then he retires. It’s frustrating.” This frustration is understandable, as a fight against Jones would have been a huge opportunity for Aspinall to make a name for himself and possibly catapult him to title contention.
However, despite the disappointment, Aspinall remains focused on his own journey and is not dwelling on what could have been. He has his sights set on his upcoming fight with Sergey Spivak at UFC Fight Night 191 and is determined to make a statement in the heavyweight division.
In fact, Aspinall seems to have turned Jones’ retirement into a positive for himself. He mentioned, “I’ve said it before, I think I’m the next generation of heavyweight. I think I’m the new breed. So, let’s see if I can prove that.” This statement not only shows his confidence in his abilities but also highlights the potential he sees in himself.
In conclusion, while the rivalry between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall never reached its conclusion inside the UFC cage, it is clear that their animosity is still alive. Aspinall’s recent comments serve as a reminder that this potential matchup could have been a defining moment for both fighters. Nevertheless, Aspinall remains focused on his own path and is determined to make a name for himself in the heavyweight division. And who knows, maybe one day we will see these two fighters finally go head to head inside the octagon. Until then, the rivalry between them remains as one of the most iconic in the world of MMA.
