'Pissed off' Tom Aspinall says, 'I want what's mine'

22/08/2024 21:47

Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has ramped up his calls for an undisputed title fight against champion Jon Jones.  Jones is expected to face former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic later this year and Aspinall is the backup fighter on standby incase one of them has to pull out.  

In a video posted to YouTube on Thursday, Aspinall said he doesn't understand why Jones and Miocic are even fighting and called them 'two old men.'  

"I'm back training, started taking over a little bit in the gym preparing for the rumored fight, which isn't confirmed yet, which is obviously Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, New York City.  As I said, this fight hasn't been confirmed," Aspinall said.  

"After my last fight against Curtis Blaydes, there was some talk about me being the backup fighter.  The UFC spoke to me directly about that and I said, 'I'm in.'  Somebody pulls out, I'm in.  One days notice, ten days notice, ten weeks notice, one-hours notice, I'll be prepared for that date, so you let me know," Aspinall continued.  

"I'm ready to take the fight.  I'm No. 1 in the division, not Jon Jones, not Stipe Miocic.  They're a couple of older fellas having a fight, fighting for the title for some reason.  I don't know why that reason is.  I am the guy at heavyweight, so I"m ready to prove that on an hour's notice if I need to.  No problem.  I'll be there."

Aspinall. has heard rumors of potential injuries and believes both Jones and Miocic are 'injury prone' at their ages.  

"I'm hearing rumors that Stipe is potentially injured.  These are stuff that I'm hearing from inner circles.  Stipe, I believe his birthday was yesterday actually, he's 42-years old.  The guy is going to be injury prone.  Jon Jones, a million miles on the clock, he's going to be injury prone," said Aspinall.  

"Me, I'm ready to go.  I'm not even in my prime yet.  I'm hungry for it.  I'm not sure these two guys are, but I am and I'll fight either of them for the undisputed title on any notice.  I'm ready," continued the interim champion.

"Jon Jones had an amazing career.  I ain't putting Jon Jones down.  Jon Jones isn't the best heavyweight in the world right now.  That's me, so I want what's mine.  I'm pissed off for greatness.  I believe that I should be the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.  I feel like I've done what it takes to deserve that and I'm ready to prove it.  Jon Jones isn't.  That's all.  My issue with Jon Jones is he's got the belt and I want it.  I want it.  I've got the belt too and I want to unify the belts.  There shouldn't be two heavyweight champions.  There should be one." 

"I just want the belt.  The issue is not with Jon.  The issue is not with Stipe.  The issue is with them holding the belt hostage."