Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall`s optimism about fighting Jon Jones has significantly increased after a recent meeting with UFC management.
Initially, there were doubts about whether Tom Aspinall would ever get the chance to face UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. However, Aspinall now expresses renewed confidence that this highly anticipated fight will happen later this year.
Aspinall has been inactive since his interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes last July at UFC 304. He won the interim belt by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, stepping in on short notice after Jones withdrew due to injury.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding negotiations for Jones vs. Aspinall, it seems that significant news regarding the next heavyweight title fight is imminent.
Tom Aspinall Discusses ‘Fantastic’ Meeting with UFC Officials in London
Jones initially dismissed the idea of fighting Aspinall before his planned bout with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. After Miocic, Jones hinted at a return in 2025, moving away from earlier retirement suggestions. Although he didn`t directly call out Aspinall, discussions immediately began to finally arrange the heavyweight title unification fight.
In a recent vlog, Aspinall appeared frustrated with the progress of negotiations for the Jones fight. However, after meeting with a UFC executive last Saturday night, Aspinall seems much more relieved and positive about his future.
During a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Aspinall described his meeting with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell in London over the weekend.
“The photo was taken at the end of our meeting, around 2 a.m.,” Aspinall said. “We had a meeting… enjoyed a good meal, and discussed everything. Hunter [Campbell] has always been very approachable and reasonable with me and my team.
“We had a fantastic meeting, everything went great. I now understand my position and the company`s plans, and you need to stay tuned… big news is coming.”
Aspinall was also asked about his previous comments suggesting his patience was wearing thin regarding the Jones fight.
“I feel like we are in a good place now,” Aspinall said. “First and foremost, I love to fight, that’s what I want to do. Not fighting for the last seven months has been tough, but after this meeting, I feel very optimistic and in a really good position. I’m excited about my future.”
Aspinall`s comments follow Jones leading an explicit chant directed at him during an event for Dirty Boxing Championship, a promotion Jones recently co-owns.
Tom Aspinall Trolls Jon Jones at UFC London
Aspinall recently responded to Jones’s taunts by jokingly trolling Jones at UFC London. Aspinall and fans have accused Jones of avoiding a fight with the UK champion, preferring other opponents like Alex Pereira.
A fight between Jones and Aspinall could potentially headline UFC`s International Fight Week if negotiations around Jones`s training camp duration are successful. Jones reportedly requested a six-month camp to prepare for Aspinall, but this has not been officially confirmed.
In the meantime, the anticipation for Jones vs. Aspinall continues, but progress is being made towards this highly anticipated heavyweight clash.
