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Tom Aspinall Resumes Campaign For Jon Jones Fight, Criticism Of Stipe Miocic Title Shot: ‘UFC Has Never Been About This’

Originally posted on MMA News | By Curtis Calhoun | Last updated 1/4/24

Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall wants his shot to prove he's the undisputed heavyweight king.

Aspinall earned the UFC interim heavyweight title by finishing Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 last November. He fought on weeks' notice following Jon Jones' withdrawal from his title defense against Stipe Miocic.

Despite the last-second cancelation, the UFC intends to re-book Jones vs. Miocic this summer once Jones fully recovers from his injury. Jones earned the lineal heavyweight title at UFC 285 but hasn't defended it.

Miocic will get the heavyweight title shot despite his long hiatus; stemming from a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260. It's uncertain when Aspinall will get a chance to fight for the lineal belt, which has the interim champ irritated.

Tom Aspinall On Stipe Miocic's Title Shot: 'This Makes Me Quite Upset'

In a recent tweet, Aspinall expressed frustration with the heavyweight title picture.

Last time Stipe fought and won, GTA: San Andreas had just come out on PS2. He will fight next for the undisputed heavyweight title, ahead of me, who’s the interim champ, active and ranked #1 in the world right now. This makes me quite upset
— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) January 4, 2024

"Last time Stipe fought and won, GTA: San Andreas had just come out on PS2," Aspinall began. "He will fight next for the undisputed heavyweight title, ahead of me, who’s the interim champ, active and ranked #1 in the world right now. This makes me quite upset."

Aspinall followed up by clarifying his respect for Miocic's accolades.

Stipe is one of my favourites. Loads of respect to him his Résumé is far superior to mine rn. That being said the UFC has never been about this. It’s about who’s the best right now, and I believe that’s me and it’s only right I get to prove it #freeaspinall
— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) January 4, 2024

"Stipe is one of my favourites," Aspinall tweeted. "Loads of respect to him his Résumé is far superior to mine rn. That being said the UFC has never been about this. It’s about who’s the best right now, and I believe that’s me and it’s only right I get to prove it."

Aspinall concluded by questioning the validity behind his UFC interim title and what should be next for him.

Surely if you’re interim champ, your next fight should be to fight for undisputed? Come on
— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) January 4, 2024

"Surely if you're interim champ, your next fight should be for undisputed?" Aspinall said. "Come on."

Aspinall is eager to return to activity after a long absence not long ago. He suffered a knee injury in a fight with Curtis Blaydes in 2022 which sidelined him up until his win over Marcin Tybura in July.

Aspinall recently expressed interest in facing the winner of the upcoming Jailton Almeida vs. Blaydes fight, but he's seemed to pivot on his desire to defend the interim belt.

The UFC's heavyweight title picture remains eventful, and the division's interim champion is growing increasingly impatient for his chance to face either Jones or Miocic.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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