UFC news: Tom Aspinall provides update on potential fight with Jon Jones

The biggest fight in MMA today is yet to be finalised, leaving fans to sweat on a potential bout between Interim UFC Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Undisputed UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Aspinall has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to fight for the undisputed title ever since he defended his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July last year.

Jones, for his part, defended his belt against Stipe Miocic in November.

Sports News Blitz MMA writer Niall Togher reports on the story.

Aspinall reiterates desire for Jones showdown

In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Aspinall provided an update on the status of his overdue bout with Jones.

“I have spoken to the UFC on multiple occasions about this fight. I’m chasing it up. I want the fight,” he said. “I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying that ‘I want the fight and when’s it happening?’ I want the fight more than anyone.

“What is holding it up right now is his [Jones’] side. The UFC really want the fight to happen – they’ve told me that. As I’ve said, this is one of the biggest fights that can be made in MMA right now. Everybody knows that,” the Englishman continued.

“It’s just ‘does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me?’, and that is where we’re at. The UFC tell me that they are doing everything they can to make this fight. As far as I’m aware, this is now totally down to Jon Jones and his team to work that out.”

Undisputed or bust for Jones

Despite his status within the sport, Jones must commit to a fight with Aspinall soon or have his title stripped from him for the good of the heavyweight division.

The Englishman has already beaten five out of the top 10 heavyweights and is one of only three fighters in UFC history that have had to defend an interim belt.

“One thing I want to be really clear on is that I am only fighting for the undisputed title. That’s my only discrepancy. I will fight absolutely anyone. We can look through my record, you can speak to any promoter that I’ve ever worked with, UFC or otherwise – I have absolutely never turned down a fight in my life, and I’m not going to start now,” he said.

“What we need to be clear on, though, is that I have done enough in the UFC to fight for the undisputed title. I am the best heavyweight in the world, and I just want a chance to prove it.”

Hopefully, the fight between Jones and Aspinall can be made sooner rather than later, so we can enjoy one of the best heavyweight prospects in MMA history fighting regularly in his prime.

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