"Give me my undisputed title" - Tom Aspinall offers to step in as backup for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309
Jon Jones has not competed since capturing the vacant heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane via first-round submission at UFC 285 over 18 months ago. 'Bones' appeared set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last November; however, he was forced to withdraw from the bout after tearing the tendon connecting the pectoral muscle to the bone.
The injury opened the door for Tom Aspinall to capture the interim heavyweight title, which he has since defended. Following the official announcement that Jones will return against Miocic at UFC 309, the No.1-ranked heavyweight reacted on his YouTube channel, stating:
"Big Jon Jones, big Stipe Miocic, matched up with one another, finally. It's official. November 16th, MSG, New York City. The heavyweight title is on the line at long last. Finally, we are confirmed for it. I, of course, will be there to watch these two gentlemen go at it. I, of course, have told the UFC if anybody gets injured or there's any other reason why nobody can make it to that fight, why one of them might pull out, I'm ready to go."
He continued:
"If I need to, I'll fight both of them in the same night, no problem. Give me my undisputed title because, in my opinion, it should not be two champions in one weight division. I think that is silly. This is not what UFC is about. This is not what MMA is about. There's one guy each weight division and I believe it's me. So, I'll be fighting the winner, of course."
Check out Tom Aspinall's comments on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic below (10:05):
Aspinall added that he has already begun training to potentially step in. It is unlikely that he will have that opportunity, however, as Jones has had plenty of time to recover from the injury that delayed the bout.
Jon Jones reiterates retirement plans following UFC 309 announcement
Jon Jones was at UFC 306 to experience the promotion's first-ever event at the Las Vegas Sphere in person. Following the official announcement of his UFC 309 title defense against Stipe Miocic, 'Bones' made it clear that he will likely enter the octagon for the last time in November.
Speaking to Clocked N' Loaded, the heavyweight champion noted that he feels great before adding:
"It's going to be the last time. It's going to be the last time. More than likely."
Check out Jon Jones' comments on retirement below:
Jones had previously revealed his plans to retire after being booked to face Miocic at UFC 295. While injuries delayed things a full year, the scene will still be set for 'Bones' to walk away from mixed martial arts after competing in his home state of New York for the first time in his illustrious career.