Jon Jones recently provided career advice that was well received by Tom Aspinall.
Despite having conflicting interests, Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) actually agreed with Jones’ remarks and recommendations for him in a recent interview.
Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC), the current UFC heavyweight champion, advised Aspinall, who holds the interim belt, not to dwell on a potential fight between the two of them. Instead, Jones, who is currently recovering from an injury, suggested that Aspinall should move forward and continue his fighting career.
Aspinall concurs with Jones’ perspective.
“I agree. I wholeheartedly agree,” Aspinall stated on The MMA Hour. “I have consistently shown nothing but respect for Jon Jones. I hold him in higher regard than many others, to put it simply. I truly respect Jon Jones’ achievements in the sport, as they are truly remarkable. I appreciate the advice. I will not allow it to hinder me. As I have mentioned before, it does not matter what others are doing. This is my journey. This is my path. There will be ups and downs along the way. This is heavyweight MMA, and anything can happen at any given moment.”
Aspinall secured the UFC interim heavyweight title in November by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Typically, the interim champion would face the undisputed champion to unify the titles upon their return. However, in this case, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that the plan is for Miocic to fight Jones next.
Aspinall has expressed his dissatisfaction with this plan and has been vocal about it. Nonetheless, he has come to terms with the idea of not having the title unification bout against Jones later this year.
“I have openly expressed my disagreement with the way things are being handled with Jon Jones,” Aspinall explained. “I don’t think that the UFC’s decision is fair, but that is simply my opinion, and I have voiced it. I respect their opinion and their decision, and I have immense respect for everything that Jon Jones and the UFC have accomplished and are currently doing.
“Many individuals online have been telling me, ‘Hey, Tom. You need to stop complaining,’ and I thought to myself, ‘You know what? They are absolutely right.’ I need to cease my complaints, move forward, and focus on my career, proving that I am the best. That is precisely what I intend to do.”
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com