Jon Jones has hit back at claims that he is ducking UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall.

Jones defends his UFC Heavyweight Title against Stipe Miocic on November 16 at UFC 309. It is a rescheduling of their UFC 295 clash after Jones pulled out with a pectoral muscle injury. During his time out injured, Aspinall worked himself into a title position. The Brit defeated Curtis Blaydes in his last fight at UFC 304 to retain his interim belt. Dana White confirmed after the fight that Aspinall would face the winner of Jones vs Miocic; Aspinall has also been made back up for UFC 309 if either of the fighters pulls out.

Jones Vs. Miocic

However, there is speculation that Jones and Miocic could retire after the fight. Miocic’s reasons would be understandable since he is 42 years old. He has also won the heavyweight twice and defended it successfully on four occasions. Miocic will also have his first fight in around three years since Francis Ngannou knocked him out at UFC 260. As for Jones, he has shown a big reluctance to fight Aspinall. He has repeatedly talked down Aspinall’s achievements, stating that he has not done anything big in the sport.

He has also discussed a fight with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira instead, stating that it is a much bigger global fight. But since Aspinall is the interim champion, he should get the title shot first. That has increased the calls for Jones to be stripped of the belt. Jones’ coach also recently indicated that it could be his last fight. This has created the perception that Jones is doing everything possible to avoid facing Aspinall. Even if that is the case, Jones’ following comments showed he is not fazed.

Jones Reacts

“I see quite a few people in here calling me a duck. I’m a duck. Call me a duck. Call me a chicken. [And] call me a GOAT. Call me a dog. I’m not in high school anymore, guys. Grown man out here chasing his dreams. It’s funny that we really live in a world where being called a duck should affect me. Guys, come on,” Jones said

Nevertheless, Jones’ career will have an asterisk if he does not face Aspinall. This is especially since Tom has been looking after his comeback from a knee injury. He suffered his only loss against Blaydes in 2021 when he was stopped in the first round with a knee injury. Since then, he has stopped three opponents in the first round, showing he is back to his best. Aspinall also has youth on his side. He is 31, while Jones is 37.

There is also nowhere else for Aspinall to go since he has beaten the other contenders in the division, leaving Jones as the only credible fight. But there could always be a situation where Miocic pulls off a shock win, setting up a fight with Aspinall for the heavyweight title. Fans have already seen a situation where Jones did not fight Ngannou. Francis would leave the UFC as he signed a deal with PFL. Dana White has ruled out doing a co-promotion with the PFL or ever working with Ngannou. Fans did not want this to happen with Jones and Aspinall.

Jones Reacts

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