Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall go back and forth on Twitter over ego, legacy
By Anwesha Nag
Tom Aspinall retorted with a scathing reply on Twitter after Jon Jones went on a rant on the platform about the Brit's "infamous call-outs".
Since before becoming the interim UFC heavyweight champion, Aspinall has been calling Jones out for a heavyweight clash. Winning the belt only strengthened his argument that he deserved to fight the undisputed champion to unify the title. However, Jones never took too kindly to the sentiment. Things got heated after Aspinall uploaded a TikTok video about "waiting for Jon Jones".
Tom Aspinall via TikTok 👀🤣 pic.twitter.com/kXG7x9ugLv
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 8, 2024
The former UFC light heavyweight champion seemingly took offense at the video. It did not help that Aspinall had previously called for Jones to be stripped of the title. Shortly after announcing that he underwent a second surgery - on his left elbow - after going under the knife for his pectoral tear, Jones took to Twitter to take shots at Aspinall.
"Only four recognizable opponents, and already the king of England, must be nice," he wrote. "There will be legendary tales told about you and your infamous callouts." When a fan pointed out that Aspinall was rightfully frustrated after doing all he could and still not getting a shot at Jones, the American once again spoke of his decorated resume. He topped it off with a musing about how easy it is to get replaced in the world and get one's work forgotten.
Only four recognizable opponents, and already the king of England, must be nice. There will be legendary tales told about you and your infamous call outs. 😒
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 9, 2024
I mean, it doesn’t really work like that. I was a champion when I was 23 years old, you can’t show up at age 30 pretending like you’ve been chasing me your whole life. I have no clue who 90% of his résumé is, meanwhile, I’ve been highlighting UFC events my entire career. https://t.co/aJdJT8UpGm
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 9, 2024
It’s a wild world we live in! People can be so quick to try to replace you, throw you away, discredit your work. That’s the best thing about them stats or just being able to see the fruits of your labor. Be an absolute savage at what you do, at whatever capacity that may be. Let…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 9, 2024
Aspinall responded with class, giving Jones due respect but putting his point forward strongly. "Jon you’re letting your ego run wild here mate," he said. "I’m not downplaying you’re résumé."
Jon you’re letting your ego run wild here mate. I’m not downplaying you’re résumé, it’s incredible. Far superior to mine. You are known as the best fighter ever, and that’s EXACTLY why I want to beat you. Surely you can understand that? https://t.co/jCo4Obz9pY
— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) January 9, 2024
While Jones has his MMA legacy in the sport to show, it is understandable where Aspinall is coming from. Despite him being the interim champion, Dana White has made it very clear that Jones' next outing would be against Stipe Miocic. The fight was scheduled for UFC 295 before Jones had to pull out due to a pectoral tear.
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