Jon Jones told fans to “knock it off” as they roared Tom Aspinall’s name at the pre-fight news conference for UFC 309 in New York on Saturday. At Madison Square Garden, Jones will defend his heavyweight title against fellow American Stipe Miocic, but Aspinall, the interim champion, has dominated the narrative this week.
Fans chanted “Tommy, Tommy” as UFC president Dana White said the winner of Jones vs. Miocic “should absolutely fight” Aspinall next. But Jones, 37, had no interest in addressing the potential matchup.
“I have no reaction. I am currently concentrating on Saturday. That’s the biggest thing for me right now,” said Jones, breaking into a smile as the crowd continued chanting Aspinall’s name.
Jones Dismisses Aspinall: “He’s Been Such An Asshole.”
Later, Jones doubled down on his dismissal of Aspinall, citing the British heavyweight’s attitude as the main reason he doesn’t want to fight him.
“If I’m being completely honest, I feel like Tom’s been such an asshole that I don’t want to do business with him,” Jones said during UFC 309 media day. “His fans have been so annoying, and obviously you don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans or whatnot, but he’s just an asshole,” Jones said at UFC 309 media day.
Jones went on to criticize Aspinall’s “influencer generation” approach, saying the 31-year-old has focused too much on “t-shirt sales and all that” rather than respecting the sport and his potential opponents. “I’m three years from being a 40-year-old grown man. Jones continued, “I’d rather not go through the whole shebang with him at the press conference.”
White Confirms The Winner Of Jones vs. Miocic Should Fight Aspinall Next
Despite Jones’ clear disinterest, UFC president Dana White made it clear that the winner of the heavyweight title fight should face Aspinall next. “The winner [Jones vs. Miocic] should absolutely fight Tom,” White said at the pre-fight press conference, sparking the raucous chants from the crowd.
Aspinall, the backup fighter for the main event, has actively campaigned for a unification bout against the winner. He’s poked fun at Jones, even buying his dog a rubber duck after fans claimed Jones was “ducking” him.
However, Jones maintains that fighting Aspinall “does nothing” for his legacy, and he’s much more interested in a fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, whom he describes as “respectful” and a more fitting challenge. As the war of words continues, Jones and Miocic will settle their heavyweight title clash this Saturday at UFC 309 in New York.
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