UFC 309: Tom Aspinall confirms he will be back-up fighter for Jon Jones v Stipe Miocic main event - ‘I’m ready to go’
Published 01/10/2024 at 13:08 GMT+1
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Tom Aspinall could fight for the undisputed heavyweight belt after the Brit confirmed he will be the back-up fighter for Jon Jones v Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Jones is scheduled to meet Miocic in the Octagon at Madison Square Garden on November 16, after their initial bout was postponed. Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion and has won each of his last three fights in less than two minutes.
Aspinall confirms he is 'ready to go' as back-up for Jones v Miocic at UFC 309
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tom Aspinall has confirmed that he will be the back-up fighter for the highly anticipated UFC heavyweight world title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic on Saturday, November 16, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The icons of the sport were due to meet in November of last year, but Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the build-up, meaning the bout had to be postponed.
Britain’s Aspinall stepped in to face Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight belt and has since defended that title in stunning fashion against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.
Aspinall believes he is the best heavyweight in the world and has campaigned for the Jones fight for the best part of a year, but is happy there will now be movement at the top of the division.
Speaking during an episode of ‘Tom Aspinall’s Fight Lab’ on discovery+, the Brit said: “It’s exciting.
“Finally, we have some movement at the top – well it depends on what you class as the top of the division, but at the undisputed title level it’s finally moving.
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'I just think I'm better than you' - Aspinall challenges Jones after UFC 304 title defence
Video credit: TNT Sports
“We’re finally going to get a result for that, we’re finally going to be able to move on, the contenders are moving, the interim champ is hopefully moving soon, [so] everything is good. I’m looking forward to it.”
Whatever happens, Aspinall will be in attendance at Madison Square Garden for the blockbuster showdown that is being billed as a legacy fight between Jones, regarded by many as the greatest of all time, and Miocic, the most successful heavyweight in the promotion’s history.
“Of course I’m going to be there, I’m going to be there, front row,” Aspinall added, although he could yet feature in the main event should one of the veterans be unable to fight.
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UFC president Dana White had previously suggested Aspinall would be the stand-in if there was any reason a fighter had to pull out, and the 31-year-old said that had now been made official.
“I’m going to be the back-up, I’m preparing right now,” he continued. “We’ve got about eight weeks to go, so I’m in full camp now. I’m training twice a day [and] I am ready to go.”
The UFC 309 card will also see former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira take on Michael Chandler in what promises to be a thrilling rematch between two of the most exciting fighters on the roster.
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