Sergei Pavlovich hints he doesn't consider Jon Jones the true UFC heavyweight champion
Sergei Pavlovich is set to face Tom Aspinall for the UFC interim heavyweight title at UFC 295 this weekend.
The bout was put together on short notice after heavyweight champion Jon Jones was forced to withdraw from his bout against Stipe Miocic. 'Bones' teared his tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone.
Despite this, the No. 2-ranked heavyweight hinted that he is fighting for the real heavyweight title this weekend.
Speaking at the UFC 295 media day, Pavlovich was asked if he would rather face Jones or Miocic. He said via a translator:
"To be honest, both of them are legends so it doesn't matter to me."
Pavlovich was then asked if he was upset that 'Bones' did not vacate the title and open up the opportunity for him to fight for the undisputed heavyweight title. He responded:
"You know, for me, this is the legit title."
Check out Sergei Pavlovich's comments on Jon Jones below:
Jones will reportedly be sidelined for at least eight months, according to UFC President Dana White. Following his surgery, he expressed that he will face Miocic when he returns to the octagon.
Both fighters have shared that their bout against one another in the past. If they meet, it could be the final appearance of their legendary mixed martial arts careers.
Will Jon Jones face the winner of UFC 295 bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall?
Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall will clash for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295. While the interim champion generally faces the undisputed champion in the following bout, that does not appear to be the case, as Jon Jones appears intent on facing Stipe Miocic in a legacy bout.
'Bones' previously revealed that he is not interested in facing the rising heavyweight contenders. Speaking on the OverDogs Podcast, he stated:
"Don’t get me wrong, these guys are amazing. They’re starching people in the first round, but as I get older, I have to look at it as a business and not just speak out of pride, but I have speak as my legacy and as a business."
Jones added:
"If the hardcore fans know who these guys are, that’s great, but at the end of the day I have to fight people that the mainstream public is going to be excited about. Because when you’re in my position, there’s always going to be this new challenge that’s younger than you that everyone wants to see you do it one more time."
Check out Jon Jones' comments on facing upcoming heavyweight contenders below (starting at the 21:45 mark):
Jones' comments came before his injury and the subsequent scheduling of Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall. Both fighters will now have an opportunity to entice 'Bones' to stick around for one more bout following his clash with Miocic.