Tom Aspinall (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Although Tom Aspinall secured the interim heavyweight title with an electrifying knockout, the UFC still seems intent on waiting for Jon Jones versus Stipe Miocic. Aspinall is scrutinizing that plan.

Aspinall faced Sergei Pavolovich at UFC 295 earlier this month, and quickly knocked out the feared slugger in round one. The fight came together on short notice, due to a bicep injury Jones incurred not long ago. The heavyweight champ had been scheduled to face the former champ Miocic at the November 11th event.

Following Aspinall’s victory, UFC President Dana White reported that the company still intends to have Miocic fight Jones. But, while talking to Michael Bisping recently, Aspinall made it clear he’s not on board with that (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“It’s hard to say without sounding rude, but who [is asking] about Jon Jones and Stipe anymore,” Aspinall asked. “Why do we get this legacy fight? And they get to live by their own rules? What’s a legacy fight — a retirement fight for a title? I want to fight Stipe and then I want to fight Jon Jones.

“I think all this other stuff is rubbish. Stop protecting him now, stop protecting your boy Jon Jones at the top. If he’s injured, get out of the way and I’ll fight Stipe.”

Miocic (20-4), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since March, 2021, when he was KO’d by Francis Ngannou in round two. The 41-year-old has competed just three times since 2018 and is 3-2 in his last 5 bouts.

The 30-year-old Aspinall (14-3) has gone 4-1 in his last five fights.