Daniel Cormier lauds Tom Aspinall for "not being as respectful" toward Jon Jones in pursuit of undisputed title fight
Tom Aspinall has consistently maintained a dignified approach in pursuit of an undisputed title shot against Jon Jones. However, of late, Aspinall seems to have shunned the respective approach to some degree with an unflinching attitude that he can get the better of Jones.
Aspinall has relentlessly called out the UFC heavyweight champion and has resorted to the modern twist on psychological warfare by posting several social media skits targeting Jones. The combat sports community seems to have developed a preference for this angle, including UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier.
Check out Aspinall's video below:
The former UFC two-division champion thoroughly favors Aspinall's recent approach. Speaking in a recent episode of the Funky and the Champ show with Ben Askren, Cormier said:
"The fact that he’s not being as respectful as he was before is a massive, massive win for Tom Aspinall because before, it was easy to ignore him. I believe that those guys should fight, but Jon seems and I don’t know if he’s trolling. He really can be trolling because I don’t know Jon Jones to be openly saying, ‘I’m just not fighting that guy."
Catch Cormier's comments below (5:55):
Aspinall has registered three straight first-round victories since losing to Curtis Blaydes in July 2022 due to a knee injury. The UK heavyweight sensation has rattled off a TKO win over Marcin Tybura and knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 to capture the interim heavyweight throne. Most recently, he avenged his loss against Blaydes and called out Jones in the post-fight interview for a crack at the undisputed championship.
Tom Aspinall wants Jon Jones to hand him the undisputed title shot
Despite Tom Aspinall's efforts to secure a fight against Jon Jones, the UFC seems fixated on having Stipe Miocic fight for the heavyweight championship next.
Miocic, a former UFC two-time heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as the greatest champion in that division. UFC CEO Dana White has asserted on multiple occasions that both fighters involved in the mix, have earned their stripes to compete in a legacy fight.
Aspinall, while not in favor of the idea, has claimed that he will serve as a backup for the potential clash. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aspinall took a dig at Jones and said:
"Jon Jones, I know you got your fight coming up. Apparently, it's in November against Stipe Miocic. Nothing has been announced or signed yet, as far as I'm aware, but if that does happen, I'll be there. I'll be ready to jump in with either of you guys for the undisputed title, if one of you is going to pull out, but if you successfully defend against Stipe in November, I will be there in the crowd. I'll be there front row. I want you to hand me the undisputed title as you walk past me please. Thank you."
Catch Aspinall's comments below: