Tom Aspinall is not worried about the situation with Jon Jones.
Aspinall has been aiming for a fight with Jones to unify the UFC heavyweight titles. Aspinall, who is ranked No. 1 in the heavyweight division, became the interim champion by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 after Jones` fight with Stipe Miocic was delayed due to Jones` injury.
Jones previously claimed the vacant undisputed title at UFC 285 after Francis Ngannou left, and then defended it against Miocic at UFC 309. Aspinall has also defended his interim title once during this period. Jones has often downplayed Aspinall as a worthy opponent.
This past Saturday in London, Aspinall and his team met with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Following these discussions, Aspinall feels more optimistic, although it`s not clear if the UFC is planning a fight with Jones or another opponent for him.
“We had a good meeting and discussed everything,” Aspinall said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “Hunter has always been very approachable and reasonable with me. Our meeting was great, and I now understand my position and the company`s plans. There will be some significant news coming, so stay tuned.”
When asked if things are moving positively, Aspinall agreed. He also mentioned his excitement for the future and that he is not concerned about the time since his last fight against Curtis Blaydes in July.
“After the meeting, I feel very optimistic about everything,” Aspinall stated. “I am in a very good position regarding my future. These are exciting times.”
“The break isn`t that long, to be honest. People say Jon Jones is holding up my career, but it`s only been seven months, which isn`t too bad. I can`t reveal too much, but exciting things are coming.”
While Aspinall didn`t share many details about his conversation with Campbell and didn`t confirm if it was specifically about Jones, he made it clear that he wants to be recognized as the undisputed No. 1 heavyweight in the UFC.
“Of course, I want to fight,” Aspinall said. “But it needs to be the right fight, and as I`ve said before, I deserve to fight for the undisputed heavyweight title. That’s what’s most important to me. Money is secondary. I want to be the undisputed heavyweight champion, and that’s my goal.”
“I’m not just relaxing at home; I’m training in the gym daily. I`m in a good place. I would prefer to fight sooner, but I believe everything happens for a reason, so I trust the timing will be right.”
He also confirmed he doesn`t plan to defend the interim title again.
Regarding Jones publicly asking for a lot of money to fight Aspinall, the British fighter understands Jones` position.
“I agree that he deserves to be paid well because of everything he has accomplished,” Aspinall said.
Aspinall was at UFC London and jokingly responded to the idea that Jones is avoiding a fight with him by holding a toy duck when shown on camera. He clarified it was just a bit of fun.
“No, I just like ducks,” Aspinall joked. “I always carry a duck with me, just in case. Of course, it was just a bit of fun, a little joke.”
