- Jon Jones defends his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic on Saturday
- Tom Aspinall won the interim title last year and has defended the strap since
- Many fans feel Jones should be defending his championship against him
Tom Aspinall was notably absent from Thursday’s UFC 309 pre-fight press conference and he has now explained why.
Jon Jones defends his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Saturday but much of the build up to the fight has focused on a man who will not be in the octagon on the night.
Aspinall claimed the interim heavyweight title last year while Jones was on the sidelines last year and has since become one of the few men to defend one.
In any other scenario he would undoubtedly be facing the champion for the undisputed title but the UFC has proceeded with Jones vs Miocic following the former’s recovery from injury.
Jones has been accused of ‘ducking’ Aspinall, who has continued to call him out both online and in interviews.
Tom Aspinall told Daniel Cormier he was banned from attending Thursday’s press conference
And many were surprised that he did not make an appearance as Jones and Miocic faced the media at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.
Dana White announced at the press conference that the winner should face Aspinall, a statement that was met with a roar from the crowd and chants of ‘Tommy, Tommy, Tommy.’
Speaking to Jones’ old rival Daniel Cormier, Aspinall was thankful for the chants.
‘I wasn’t there, I was doing some other stuff. I seen it online of course, I’m looking forward to the event tomorrow, seeing what kind of reception I get there. That’s gonna be fun.
‘I asked to be at the press conference and I was told no. I was trying to go. I got blacklisted. They banned me.
‘I think a lot of people have done a lot of work for me this week which has been great, I don’t have to do nothing. I’ve been checking out New York City enjoying myself.
Many fans expected Aspinall to make an appearance at the event at Madison Square Garden
Aspinall weighed in on Friday as he is the back up fighter for Saturday’s main event
‘I showed up to this place thinking yeah we’re gonna do some stuff. I had some stuff prepared.
‘I was planning on going to the press conference and all that stuff. The fans and the media did a lot of it for me to be honest so that really nice. I appreciate it very much.
‘I am the best heavyweight in the world. I want to show everyone that I am. Simple as that.’
