Tom Aspinall is dismissing UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ expressed interest in a potential fight with Alex Pereira. Jones, who is set to return against Stipe Miocic, has deemed a fight with Pereira as the biggest in MMA history, suggesting it’s a more lucrative option than facing interim champ Aspinall.
Aspinall, however, doesn’t feel compelled to engage in discussions about Jones unless a contract is signed for them to fight, which he sees as improbable currently.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Aspinall stated he would gladly discuss Jones at length if a contract with his name on it materializes, but until then, he views Jones’ public statements as mere posturing. Aspinall acknowledges Jones’ adeptness at influencing public perception but maintains that without concrete action, there’s little reason to entertain the speculation.
Aspinall’s focus remains on his upcoming bout at UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 in Manchester, where he’s expected to defend his interim title. Despite the anticipation, Aspinall admits uncertainty regarding his opponent, as the announcement, originally expected at UFC 301, has yet to materialize. Consequently, he’s preparing himself for the event without clarity on his opponent, expressing frustration at the lack of information.
The fighter’s eagerness to promote his next fight is evident, but the absence of opponent details impedes his ability to generate excitement and anticipation among fans. Despite the uncertainty, Aspinall maintains his commitment to readiness for the scheduled date, emphasizing his desire to engage in meaningful competition while lamenting the lack of clarity surrounding his next challenge.