TOM ASPINALL has revealed his “respect” for Jon Jones is fast eroding as the UFC heavyweight champion continues to dismiss a future fight with him.
The pride of Wigan has been chasing a blockbuster unification fight with the MMA icon ever since he claimed the interim title last November.
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But Jones has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of sharing the octagon with the 31-year-old, who he’s branded the “intern champion” on a number of occasions.
The Hall of Famer has double downed on his dismissiveness to fight Aspinall ahead of his maiden defence of the heavyweight title fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 early on Sunday morning.
And the burly Brit is growing tired of what he believes to be Jones’ “ducking and diving.”
He said on his YouTube channel: “Jon Jones’ resume is far superior to mine.
“But he has what I deserve and I want to go and prove that I’m the guy.
“And that’s the only way we can sort it. So I’m challenging him to a fight.
“And I’m a little bit disappointed that Jon, as the great champion that he is, doesn’t want to give other guys the opportunity when someone is breathing down his neck.
“Because that’s the first thing that most champions would do is like, ‘Right, this guy wants it.
“I’m gonna put him in his place.’
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How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it’s annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
“And if he thinks that I don’t deserve it, show me that I don’t deserve it. Show me.”
“If you kick my arse in front of the whole world, I’m happy to stick my hand out and go, ‘Listen, you’re the better man.’
‘No problem. You took my dreams away from me, but at least I tried.’
“But this ducking and diving is something that I don’t really have respect for.”
There’s a chance Aspinall could end up sharing the octagon with Jones this weekend as he’s the official backup fighter for the New York showdown.
It won’t, however, be a short-notice showdown for the interim king of the heavyweights, who has had a full training camp in preparation for a potential a last-minute call-up.
But the Atherton assassin doesn’t foresee either Jones or Miocic accepting a short-notice MSG melee with him.
“I’ve been preparing like I have a fight,” he said. “Do I think that’s gonna happen?
“I highly doubt it. I highly doubt that these guys are gonna take the fight on less than a week’s notice now.
“But we’re showing up, just in case. “
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