Tom Aspinall reacts to Jon Jones hinting at retirement after his next fight: "Pass me the belt"
Tom Aspinall was able to successfully defend his interim heavyweight title for the first time last month as he defeated Curtis Blaydes via first-round TKO in the co-main event of UFC 304. He has angled for a title unification bout with Jon Jones despite the UFC revealing that 'Bones' will face Stipe Miocic next.
The heavyweight champion recently hinted that he may retire after his next bout, drawing a response from Aspinall. Jones took to X on Tuesday, comparing himself to Tom Brady and Floyd Mayweather, tweeting:
"I’m 37 years old now, I’ve kicked everyone’s ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. 😘 go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather, and all the other retired bad asses."
Aspinall responded on his Instagram story, which Championship Rounds captured, stating:
"Wonder if it was that video or my fighting that retired him? 🤔 Please make sure you pass me the belt on the way out of the octagon if you beat Biden 👍"
Check out the tweet from Jon Jones and the response from Tom Aspinall below:
While Aspinall has a rightful claim to receive the next undisputed title opportunity, it should be noted that Jones was booked to face Miocic before his injury, which opened the door for an interim title bout. Additionally, contracts for the rescheduled bout were signed before an interim champion was crowned.
Jon Jones weighs in on clip of Tom Aspinall wrestling
Jon Jones appears to be nearing his return to the octagon as he is reportedly set to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. Following Tom Aspinall calling him out, 'Bones' weighed in on footage of the interim heavyweight champion wrestling, tweeting:
"Looks like Tom displaying that amazing UK wrestling. My focus is on Stipe, he actually wrestled division one. Best heavyweight of all time as of right now. Maybe Tom will go on and beat stipes record one day, right now I’m focusing on goat things."
Check out Jon Jones' comments on Tom Aspinall's wrestling below:
Jones appears content with retiring after facing Miocic, who many believe is the greatest heavyweight of all time. Speaking to Fox Sports Australia last May - before Aspinall’s from a torn MCL and meniscus and damaged ACL - 'Bones' revealed that he would likely call it quits on his legendary mixed martial arts career after facing ‘The Silencer’.